Former New South Wales minister for multiculturalism Mark Coure has apologised for what Labor claims was a racist remark directed towards one of its new MPs.
The Liberal member for Oatley, who is now the shadow multiculturalism minister, directed the comment towards Cabramatta MP Tri Vo during question time on Wednesday.
The comment could not be heard from the chamber, but Labor members heard Mr Coure say "I thought that bloke [Vo] worked in catering".
In response, Mr Vo said the comments "were in poor taste".
"But that's not going to deter me from doing my job and representing my community of Cabramatta," Mr Vo said.
"And that's what I intend to do — continue to be a strong voice and advocate."
Mr Vo, who was born in Vietnam, was at the time asking a question to a Labor minister.
Mr Coure was asked by the speaker to withdraw the "offensive" remark; he then stood up and said it was a "poor attempt at humour".
"As a former member for multiculturalism, I celebrate our diversity and our society, it is our greatest asset," Mr Coure said.
"The comment I made was not intended or considered to focus on an individual's background and I again withdraw the comment and apologise to the member of parliament," he said.
Mr Coure's comment has been condemned by Labor and the Greens.
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said all politicians must do better.
"Both sides of politics have to lift their game when it comes to this parliament," Mr Mookhey said.
"We're two weeks into it and it's appropriate, as this parliament continues for the next four years, we show the people of NSW that standards are getting better."
Mr Mookhey said he had also been subjected to inappropriate comments.
"I've had people in parliament deliberately mispronounce my name. It's not pleasant, it is offensive, as a parliament we need to do better."
Greens MP Jenny Leong told parliament the racist remark of "such disgraceful proportions" caused offence to many members in the chamber.
"There is no place for that kind of racist comment in the chamber," Ms Leong said.
