A Tasmanian Labor candidate at the upcoming state election has publicly apologised for making "offensive" social media posts.
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Sam Mitchell was an eleventh-hour pick for the party in the Hobart seat of Clark, replacing state Labor president Ben McGregor who resigned his candidacy last week over sending "inappropriate" texts.
Mr Mitchell had reportedly posted images online likening federal Defence Minister Peter Dutton to Adolf Hitler and another with a crucifix-shaped sex toy.
"I apologise for any offence my past social media posts may have caused to people; this was never my intention," Mr Mitchell said in a statement on Monday.
"I am deeply sorry they have found their way into the public domain and sincerely apologise for any offence this has caused to Tasmanians."
Mr Mitchell, an events manager and media coordinator, described himself as a "real person who, like all, makes mistakes".
Labor leader Rebecca White told reporters on Monday she accepted Mr Mitchell's apology.
"The Liberals are the ones republishing and circulating these posts they claim they are offended by," she said.
It is Labor's latest candidate drama as they attempt to topple the incumbent Liberal government at the May 1 poll.
Mr McGregor was told to stand down by Ms White over text messages he sent to a woman seven years ago.
Mr McGregor said he apologised to the woman at the time, labelling the complaint against him as a politically motivated smear campaign.
The Liberals have not been immune from candidate issues, with Braddon hopeful and former mining minister Adam Brooks last week receiving a court summons for alleged firearms offences.
Both the Liberals and Labor have resisted respective calls to stand down Mr Brooks and Mr Mitchell.
On Monday, the Liberals announced a $3 million package to support the island's wild fishing industry, including $250,000 to assist with development of Aboriginal cultural fisheries.
Labor, meanwhile, promised $2.5 million towards returning maternity services to the Mersey Community Hospital in the northwest and setting up a rural health centre.
Pre-polling for the state poll opened on Monday morning.
Australian Associated Press
