Latham defiant over homophobic attack on NSW MP Greenwich

One Nation NSW leader Mark Latham has sparked outrage with a graphic homophobic attack on independent MP Alex Greenwich, refusing to apologise despite calls from government figures, opponents, and even members of his own party.

The controversy erupted over the past few days after Latham posted a homophobic tweet in response to Greenwich's comments about a violent protest outside St Michael's Church in western Sydney. Latham had spoken at the rally during the state election campaign, prompting Greenwich to condemn his presence and describe him as a risk to the state.

Latham's initial reaction was combative. In his tweet, he dismissed Greenwich's criticism with a graphic description of sexual acts, before withdrawing from public view as the backlash intensified. But his silence was brief. After staying out of sight through Friday, Latham resurfaced on Saturday morning with an unrepentant message: "Never apologise, never explain."

In a subsequent statement, Latham doubled down on his position, arguing that public figures who issue criticism should expect fiercer responses in return. He claimed he had deleted the original tweet only because he deemed it unsuitable for children to view, not because he regretted the sentiment. The distinction underscored his refusal to express any genuine remorse.

His stance has placed him in conflict with NSW's newly elected Labor government. Premier Chris Minns and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe have both condemned his behaviour as having "no place" in NSW politics or the broader community. Sharpe called on Latham to apologise to Greenwich without delay.

Greenwich himself said the attack—described as homophobic and sexualised—had temporarily brought him to tears. The MP, married to his long-term partner and an advocate for LGBTQ rights, reframed the incident as part of a broader pattern. "Mr Latham is clearly unfit for office," Greenwich said, pointing to Latham's transphobic rhetoric and the connection between rally rhetoric and subsequent violence against the LGBTQ community.

Remarkably, even Pauline Hanson, One Nation's federal leader, has distanced herself from Latham's comments. In a video statement, Hanson said she found his remarks "disgusting" and claimed she had attempted to contact him to communicate her disapproval.

The incident has exposed the limits of NSW's parliamentary accountability. Because Latham resigned before the election and recontested his seat, he secured an eight-year term and occupies a procedural position that shields him from immediate discipline. Parliament cannot act until the upper house count concludes on April 20, Sharpe explained.

The controversy signals the challenges facing the newly elected Labor government as it tries to establish a more inclusive political culture in the state. The immediate question: whether parliamentary procedure will prove adequate to address conduct widely viewed as unacceptable across the political spectrum.