A NSW government minister’s wife was hospitalised after allegedly being served contaminated margaritas at a restaurant.
Kara Lamond, wife of NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, was with a female friend at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow in Wollongong on October 18 when they were served margaritas rimmed with contaminated salt.
The women were rushed to Wollongong Hospital with injuries consistent with ingesting caustic soda, reports the Illawarra Mercury.
They would likely have experienced extreme pain and possible damage to their throats, according to the University of Wollongong’s Dr Judy Morgan.
Kara Lamond (pictured), wife of NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, was with a female friend at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow in Wollongong on October 18 when they were served margaritas rimmed with contaminated salt
Margaritas are often served with salt around the rim (pictured)
‘They certainly would have known that something was wrong… it has quite an instant burning sensation,’ Dr Morgan told the paper.
Caustic soda can ‘literally eat a hole in the side of your esophagus’.
Mr Park (pictured with his wife) declined to comment on the contaminated drink affair
‘Significant burning can then lead to scarring longer-term, which obviously can then lead to longer-term health effects like decreased ability to swallow,’ Dr Morgan added.
Ms Lamond and her friend have since been discharged from hospital.
NSW Police said the the incident was ‘accidental, with no criminal offences identified’.
A spokesperson for the Fraternity Club said they ‘deeply regret’ the incident.
‘We take this incident very seriously and have engaged an independent work, health and safety organisation to review our processes and fine-tune staff training, to ensure it is not repeated,’ the spokesperson added.
Mr Park declined to comment but a spokesman for his office issued a statement.
‘We note that police have advised investigations are currently underway,’ the statement said.
Mr Park was previously dubbed ‘Mr Harbourside Mansion’ in reference to his property portfolio
‘The family asks that their privacy be respected and will not make any further comment on this matter during this time.’
The NSW Food Authority is investigating the incident and will report its findings to NSW Liquor and Gaming.
Mr Park, who shares two sons with his wife, was a teacher at Lake Illawarra High School before entering politics.
In 2017, while serving as Labor’s shadow Treasurer, he was dubbed ‘Mr Harbourside Mansion’ by the then Treasurer Dominic Perrottet after it emerged he owned three properties.
‘The shadow Treasurer, who is a property tycoon, is running Labor’s housing affordability agenda. I have also learnt that the member owns a property in Potts Point,’ Mr Perrottet said.
‘He summers in his southern estates and whinges in his Potts Point mansion.
‘The member for Keira is nothing more than a landlord in union clothing.
‘With “Potts Point Park” this chamber has its own Mr Harbourside Mansion.’