Abbott admits wink was a mistake

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has admitted he made a “mistake” when he winked at a Melbourne ABC radio host while taking a call from an elderly phone sex worker.

The Prime Minister told Nine’s Today the heavily-criticised gesture came when he was “momentarily distracted” by ABC radio host Jon Faine.

“I was looking at Jon Faine, he was smiling at me and I winked back at him,” Mr Abbott. “I shouldn’t have done it – I should have been more focussed on the caller than the interviewer.”

Mr Abbott denied he was making light of Gloria, 67, who revealed she was working as a phone sex worker to make ends meet.

“Mistake are always regrettable and I will do my best having made a mistake yesterday to make none today,” he said.

Mr Abbott has been heavily criticised for the wink and smile which he says was given to reassure his host that he was comfortable to take the call.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young yesterday labelled the PM “a total creep” for the gesture.

The PM was also grilled on the expected spike in course fees after the budget amid claims in Fairfax newspapers that middle class families will not be able to afford university.

He conceded some university courses would be more expensive but claimed others may become cheaper.

Mr Abbott also denied his leadership is under threat after the budget backlash.

“The Australian people are sick of governments which change their leader mid-term,” he said.