Tanya Plibersek apologises ‘unreservedly’ for comparing Peter Dutton to Voldemort

Anthony Albanese calls Labor frontbencher’s comment about Liberal leader-to-be a ‘mistake’

Tanya Plibersek made a "mistake" by comparing Peter Dutton to Harry Potter villain Lord Voldemort

According to Anthony Albanese, who has "unreservedly" apologised for the remark.

"I think there will be a lot of children who have watched a number of Harry Potter films who will be extremely frightened of what they are seeing on TV at night,"

Plibersek, Labor's education spokesperson, said in a 4BC radio interview on Wednesday.

"I'm suggesting he looks a little like Voldemort," Plibersek explained when asked what she meant

We'll see if he can follow through on his vow to smile more when he ran for leader the last time."

Plibersek's spokesman claimed she contacted Dutton shortly after the interview to "unreservedly" apologise

On Thursday, he told 2GB radio, "I don't think you need to be rude and unpleasant."

"I'm not the most attractive guy on the block, but I'm hoping to be quite effective."

The remarks were "unfortunate," but "water off a duck's back," according to Dutton