Scott Morrison is standing by controversial Liberal candidate Katherine Deves after she refused to apologise for her transgender remarks, arguing more women are needed in politics.
Ms Deves has doubled down on her description of trans teenagers as “surgically mutilated”.
When asked on Monday if she would apologise, the Liberal hopeful insisted the label was “correct” medical terminology.
Quizzed by reporters at a press conference in the marginal Sydney seat of Bennelong, the prime minister defended his pick for the nearby electorate of Warringah, held by independent Zali Steggall.
“Not everybody may agree with her point of view,” Mr Morrison said.
“I was very determined to ensure that I would have more female members representing the Liberal Party at this election and where I’ve had the opportunity to have a direct say in that, I have ensured that that has been delivered and that is consistent with my approach.”
Mr Morrison was “absolutely pleased” he had recruited and appointed strong female Liberal candidates who would “stand up for what they believe in”.
“That’s what being a Liberal is all about,” he said.
Ms Deves apologised for how “people might have received” her comments.
“The fact that it is confronting and it is ugly, and I certainly don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. But that is the correct terminology,” she said.
While campaigning in Bennelong, Mr Morrison pledged a 50 per cent federal contribution to the building of a $220 million bridge at Epping that aims to address a longstanding traffic bottleneck in the suburb.
Later, the prime minister and Employment Minister Stuart Robert visited the Western Sydney Jobs Fair in the seat of Reid, held by the Liberals on a 3.2 per cent margin.
Mr Morrison toured the stalls, speaking with job seekers and taking selfies.
One woman approached the prime minister and asked him how he would improve wages for women in non-traditional trades.
Mr Morrison said the government was investing about $10 million in supporting digital and manufacturing jobs for women, among other measures.
He noted the gender pay gap had come down from 17.4 per cent, when the coalition won government in 2013, to 13.8 per cent.
“There’s still a pay gap,” the woman responded.
Mr Morrison said there was “more to do”.
