Two pollsters suing federal Labor politician Mike Kelly over a tweet accusing them of ''push polling'' were willing to accept an apology over the claims, a court has heard.
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But Dr Kelly, Member for Eden-Monaro and Minister for Defence Materiel, has not yet apologised for the 2011 tweet, in which he accused Liberal pollsters Lynton Crosby, Mark Textor and others of introducing push polling to Australia.
The tweet read: ''always grate [sic] to hear moralizing from Crosby, Textor, Steal and Gnash. The mob who introduced push polling to Aus.'' Mr Crosby and Mr Textor have taken Dr Kelly to the Federal Court, claiming the tweet defamed them.
Lawyers for the pair both told the court on Monday they were willing to accept an apology from Dr Kelly.
Justice Graeme Foster queried why the matter had not been resolved, given the parties indicated they would accept an apology.
Dr Kelly's lawyer told the court that he had no specific instructions on the issue of an apology.
The court heard that proving the truth of the claims was the ''only defence'' to the action.
Justice Foster said the matter was ''heading down the path of a famous defamation''.
Dr Kelly lost a High Court bid to have the case thrown out, on the basis that the Federal Court did not have jurisdiction.
The High Court found against Dr Kelly, and ordered him to pay over $100,000 in costs.
The case returns to the Federal Court on June 7.
