Carr–Peters scandal explained

The Carr–Peters scandal is an ongoing diplomatic and political scandal in Australasia, between Bob Carr, formerly Australian minister for Foreign Affairs and premier of New South Wales, and Winston Peters, New Zealand's current deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs. The scandal began with an initial incident on 2 May 2024, when Peters appeared on RNZ to discuss proposals to join Pillar 2 of AUKUS, a military pact Carr has strongly opposed, by calling him "nothing more than a Chinese puppet",[1] and that he "sold his soul to China",[2] among other now-redacted insults.[3] [4] Carr said the comments by Peters were "entirely defamatory".[5]

A transcript of the interview and articles it spawned were rapidly censored after Carr accused Peters of libel. Peters stood by his statement about Carr at questions for oral answer in Parliament.[6] The main New Zealand opposition party, Labour, called for Peters to be stood down as a minister. In response, Peters held a 2018 Australian Financial Review article titled "How Bob Carr became China's pawn", arguing his statements weren't unfounded while also under the protection of parliamentary privilege.[7] After mulling over legal action, Carr announced later the same day would indeed be suing Peters.[8] Peters then ridiculed such threats and compared Carr to Chumbawamba, an English band which had not followed through on threats to sue Peters for using their song 'Tubthumping' for political purposes without permission.[9] Prime Minister Christopher Luxon refused calls to dismiss Peters, his crucial coalition government partner, and has said that "they're not comments I would make. They are comments in the rough and tumble of politics. He is doing an exceptional job".[10] [11] [12]

Notes and References

  1. News: Corlett . Eva . 2 May 2024 . Bob Carr accuses Winston Peters of defamation after NZ deputy PM calls him a 'Chinese puppet' . 2 May 2024 . The Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077.
  2. News: Godsell . Oscar Godsell . Ex-foreign minister Bob Carr threatens defamation against New Zealand Deputy PM over 'Chinese puppet' accusation . 18 October 2024 . Sky News Australia . 2 May 2024.
  3. Web site: Knott . Matthew . 2 May 2024 . Bob Carr to sue NZ foreign minister for defamation . 2 May 2024 . The Sydney Morning Herald . en.
  4. Web site: 2 May 2024 . Winston Peters accused of 'entirely defamatory' remarks about ex-Australian minister . 2 May 2024 . . en-nz.
  5. News: Coughlan . Thomas . Peters refuses to repeat China remark after defamation threat from former Australian minister . 20 October 2024 . NZ Herald . 19 October 2024 . en-NZ.
  6. News: Molly . Swift . 'Rough and tumble of politics': Luxon defends Peters as he doubles down on 'defamatory' comments, confirms no legal action taken . 2 May 2024 . Newshub . en.
  7. News: McKay . Ben . Bob Carr to sue Winston Peters over China claim . 18 October 2024 . The Canberra Times . 2 May 2024 . en-AU.
  8. Web site: 2 May 2024 . Bob Carr confirms intention to launch legal action against Winston Peters . 2 May 2024 . . en-nz.
  9. News: 'Rough and tumble of politics': Luxon defends Peters as he doubles down on 'defamatory' comments, confirms no legal action taken . 2 May 2024 . Newshub . en.
  10. News: Molly . Swift . 'Rough and tumble of politics': Luxon defends Peters as he doubles down on 'defamatory' comments, confirms no legal action taken . 2 May 2024 . Newshub . en.
  11. News: Knott . Matthew . Bob Carr to sue NZ foreign minister for defamation . 18 October 2024 . The Sydney Morning Herald . 2 May 2024 . en.
  12. News: Peters doesn't back away from Carr criticisms as Labour calls for sacking . 18 October 2024 . Newshub . 2 May 2024 . en.

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