Australian PM's partner apologizes for Asian joke

THE partner of Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard apologized yesterday for making a quip about an "Asian female doctor."

Tim Mathieson made the comment during a reception at The Lodge in Canberra on Monday night attended by members of the West Indies cricket team.

Mathieson, who has worked to raise awareness about men's health issues, brought up the need for men to have regular checks for prostate cancer.

"We can get a blood test for it but the digital examination is the only true way to get a correct reading on your prostate, so make sure you go and do that. And perhaps look(ing) for a small Asian female doctor is probably the best way..."

The comment was met with laughter at the time, but the opposition said Mathieson's remark was in bad taste.

"It was meant as a joke, and on reflection I accept it was in poor taste," Mathieson said in a statement. "I apologize for any offense caused."

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