Labor Senator Richard Dowling has dismissed his adviser Rhys Muldoon following the resurfacing of offensive social media posts containing racist language, homophobic slurs, and derogatory remarks aimed at political figures. Muldoon, a former television presenter best known for hosting the children’s program Playschool, began working for the Tasmanian senator just months ago before being terminated on Tuesday morning.

Among the posts prompting his dismissal were tweets from 2014 and more recent years that included the use of a racial slur and attacks on Liberal politicians. In one early tweet, Muldoon directed a comment containing the word “nigger” at Liberal voters, while he also repeatedly described Senator Dave Sharma as a “fake Jew” in 2022. Additionally, he referred to Indigenous Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price as a “quisling,” a term historically associated with Nazi collaborators, in reference to her support of the “No” campaign during the Voice referendum.

Responding to the revelations, Senator Dowling said he made the decision to end Muldoon’s casual contract after being made aware of the “abhorrent” tweets. “Everyone in public life has a responsibility to do better when it comes to political discourse. The words used were unacceptable at any time,” he said.

Senator Price condemned the comments as “repulsive and racist,” arguing that Muldoon’s conduct was inappropriate for someone working in government. She also criticized the Prime Minister for what she described as “cronyism,” accusing him of appointing a staffer with a history of offensive remarks. “Australians deserve so much better than a Prime Minister who preaches about decency and transparency in public, while indulging cronyism in private,” she said.

Senator Sharma expressed shock at the “disgusting comments” and criticized Labor for failing to adequately vet Muldoon before hiring him. “I am surprised that the Labor Party was prepared to overlook such a vile public record, or seemingly did not bother looking,” he said.

Further posts by Muldoon targeted conservative commentator Peta Credlin, including sexually charged insults and dismissive remarks about her appeal to audiences. Following the emergence of these posts, Muldoon’s X account was deactivated.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday he had not been aware of the adviser’s comments until they were reported in the media but called the material “completely unacceptable.” He also commended Senator Dowling for taking swift action in terminating Muldoon’s employment.