By admin 
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has apologized after referring to US Vice-President JD Vance as a “knob” during a pre-election event in Perth, sparking both laughter and controversy.
Comment Made at Leadership Event
The remark came on Tuesday morning at The West Australian’s Leadership Matters event when a journalist asked Cook to complete the sentence: “JD Vance is a …” Cook promptly responded, “Knob.”
Following the comment, Cook added, “You’ve got to have one unprofessional moment, don’t you? That was it.” His statement was met with laughter and applause from the audience.
Cook, who is seeking a third Labor term in office, later clarified that he had intended the remark as a light-hearted joke.
“It was a light-hearted, non-professional moment, and I didn’t mean any offence,” he told reporters at a press conference. “When I made the comments, there was a lot of applause around the room, so perhaps some people enjoyed the fun that came with it. Other people might have been offended, and I apologise.”
Political and Diplomatic Reactions
Asked whether his comment could impact the Aukus defense pact—given WA’s critical role in hosting US and UK submarines—Cook dismissed the idea.
“I don’t think the people in the Oval Office are listening to a sub-jurisdictional chief executive in Western Australia,” he said.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers distanced himself from Cook’s words, saying, “I would have chosen different words … I’m not making any judgments about the words that Roger chose.”
Opposition leaders were less forgiving. WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam criticized Cook for focusing on international affairs instead of state issues.
“He’s just illustrated he’s out of his depth, and they are foolish comments from a premier who has got his priorities wrong,” she said. “The United States is an important security and trading partner.”
Nationals leader David Littleproud also weighed in, calling the remark “not helpful” and stressing that Australia’s government takes a different diplomatic approach.
Context Behind Vance’s Recent Controversy
Vance has been a controversial figure in US politics, particularly after his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alongside former President Donald Trump. The meeting, described as combative, was followed by Trump’s administration announcing a pause in aid to Ukraine.
Despite the controversy, experts predict a comfortable victory for Cook’s Labor government in WA’s upcoming state election.
Gill Bikram Singh