Quokka story was a joke

May 15, 2008, 10:26am,  143 views

WA Liberal leader Troy Buswell has taken the extraordinary step of issuing a media release to welcome a blogger’s apology for starting the quokka rumor.

Matt Hayden clarified his position online, saying he made up the story, tongue in cheek, as a “verbal cartoon”.

“But clearly a case of blogosphere Chinese whispers has resulted, and it’s now a white hot national headline,” Hayden wrote.

“To Troy Buswell: If you’re reading this, my heartfelt apologies.

“Read my recent posts and you’ll see, I’m definitely not one of the people relishing your recent troubles.”

Mr Buswell was pleased to hose down the media fire.

“Unfortunately this example has shown just how out of control a situation can become when a frenzied mentality takes hold,” Mr Buswell said.

“I welcome and accept Matt’s apology and thank him for putting an end to damaging rumours, but in reality the fault for the rumour getting out of control was not his.

“I also take this opportunity to place on the record that I am a big fan of quokkas and wish no ill towards them.”

I also apologise for pedalling on the rumor mill.

A positive lesson is that Troy Buswell has a good sense of humor.