Tony Abbott Denies Sex Worker 'Cheeky Wink'

By Jonathan Samuels, Australia Correspondent

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been criticised for giving a "cheeky wink" when a pensioner revealed she was working in the sex industry to make ends meet.

Mr Abbott was taking part in a radio phone-in show in Melbourne to discuss his first budget since he was elected in September, when the 67-year-old caller who gave her name as Gloria told him she was struggling to pay her bills.

"Mr Abbott, I would like to ask you if you would like your mother or your grandmother to be in my situation?" she asked him.

"I'm a 67-year-old pensioner with three chronic, incurable medical conditions, two life-threatening.

Mr Abbott was taking part in a radio phone in show in Melbourne

"I just survive on around Aus $400 (£220) a fortnight after I pay my rent and I work on an adult sex line to make ends meet. That's the only way I can do it."

Mr Abbott then appeared to smile and wink at the show host before the woman continued: "I've worked out that it will cost me an extra $158 a year with the increase in medical visits and medication which will increase as my condition deteriorates.

"What do you suggest I cut out, Mr Abbott? Food, electricity, firewood, Christmas and birthday presents to my grandchildren?" the woman added.

"Or should we all just die and get out of your way?"

Video of Mr Abbott's wink was circulated on social media sites, prompting a backlash from critics who called his action "creepy" and "a grubby response".

A spokesperson for Mr Abbott later insisted the wink was merely to signal to the presenter that he was happy to proceed with the call.

Mr Abbott's apparent gaffe was not the first time he has courted controversy. While leader of the opposition he was ridiculed for declaring no one is the "suppository of all wisdom" during a speech to members of his Liberal Party.

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