Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s chief of staff has entered a plea of guilty to drink driving.
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Peta Credlin did not appear before the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday to face the one count of low-range driving under the influence.
The 42-year-old blew 0.075 when she was tested by police outside her Canberra home after Mr Abbott’s budget reply speech in May.
A spokesman from Mr Abbott’s office said Credlin had been at a party function held after the parliamentary address.
Mr Abbott was asked about the case at a Gold Coast press conference afterwards.
"It’s never right to break the law, everyone in my office understands that and if you do the wrong thing you have got to be contrite and take the consequences and that’s what my chief of staff is going to do," he said.
However, there were reports the journalist who asked the question was pushed by a Coalition supporter.
But Mr Abbott appeared to urge restraint when he responded: “We've got to allow the media to do their job.”
In court, Credlin’s lawyer, Ben Aulich, was granted an adjournment until September 3.
Mr Aulich handed a letter to Magistrate Beth Campbell explaining his client was in Queensland with Mr Abbott and not in a position to appear before the court until September.
But Ms Credlin could be expected to return to Canberra sooner if Prime Minister Kevin Rudd does not call an election before August 20.
The parliament is set to resume for a two-week sitting, beginning that day.
Mr Rudd must hold the election before November 30 and he has already ruled out a ballot on September 7 and 14.
The earliest possible day a poll could be held is August 31 and the prime minister has until Monday next week to visit the Governor-General Quentin Bryce to ask permission for that date.
The Opposition Leader and his staff would be expected to have a hectic travel schedule once the poll is called.
The September appearance means Ms Credlin could have to take a time out from the campaign trail to appear or ask for another adjournment.
Mr Abbott’s office denied Ms Credlin had sought the adjournment in an attempt to avoid a court appearance until after the election.
"No, that is a ridiculous suggestion. Ms Credlin sought an adjournment because she was not able to attend court today due to being interstate,’’ a spokesman said.
‘‘Ms Credlin has been completely upfront about this matter and has made it clear that she will be pleading guilty to the charge"
When handed the letter, Magistrate Campbell expressed surprise at its mention of Credlin’s high profile as she had never heard of her.
It is understood Credlin will apply for a section 17 - which would allow her to avoid a conviction and keep her licence - as it is the first time she has been charged with a criminal offence in her 21-years of driving.
