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Vic Minister Calls Deputy Premier 'C*nt' In Text Message

Victoria's health minister is declining to comment on reports she sent an expletive text message to the deputy premier in the midst of a euthanasia debate.
Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy called Deputy Premier James Merlino a
Fairfax/ Penny Stephens
Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy called Deputy Premier James Merlino a

Tensions in Victoria's Labor government over the assisted dying bill have spilled out in an accidental text message.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy called Deputy Premier James Merlino a "c***" in a text message sent to him by mistake on Wednesday night, it has been confirmed by numerous parliamentary sources.

Mr Merlino, a fierce opponent to the government's bid to legalise a strictly monitored euthanasia scheme, had proposed an amendment which would have killed off the bill, long championed as a flagship policy by Labor.

Fairfax/ Wayne Taylor

The amendment was narrowly defeated and it's understood Mr Merlino is angry about the text message from his colleague.

His office declined to comment on the matter.

A spokeswoman for Ms Hennessy wasn't giving anything away.

"The minister doesn't comment on private conversations," she told AAP.

Debate on the assisted dying bill continues.

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