Wollongong Fraternity Club: Minister’s wife is rushed to hospital with another woman after drinking ‘contaminated margaritas’

The wife of a NSW government minister was hospitalized after allegedly being given contaminated margaritas at a restaurant.

Kara Lamond, wife of NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, was with a friend at the Fraternity Club at 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 ingestion of caustic soda, reports the Illawarra Mercury.

According to Dr Judy Morgan from the University of Wollongong, they would likely have experienced extreme pain and possible damage to their throat.

Margaritas are often served with salt around the edge (photo)

“They definitely would have known something was wrong… it’s an instant burning sensation,” Dr. Morgan told the newspaper.

Caustic soda can “literally eat a hole in the side of your esophagus.”

Mr Park (pictured with his wife) declined to comment on the tainted drinks affair

‘Significant burning can lead to scarring in the longer term, which can of course lead to longer term health effects such as reduced ability to swallow,’ Dr Morgan added.

Ms Lamond and her friend have now been released from hospital.

NSW Police said the incident was “accidental, with no criminal offense identified”.

A spokesperson for the Fraternity Club said they “deeply regret” the incident.

“We are taking this incident very seriously and have engaged an independent work, health and safety organization to review our processes and refine 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 that investigations are currently underway,” the statement said.

Mr Park was previously referred to as ‘Mr Harborside Mansion’ in reference to his property portfolio

‘The family asks that their privacy is respected and will make no 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 Labour’s shadow treasurer, he was dubbed ‘Mr Harborside Mansion’ by then treasurer Dominic Perrottet after it emerged he owned three properties.

‘The shadow treasurer, a property magnate, is managing Labour’s housing affordability agenda. I have also learned that the member owns a property in Potts Point,” Mr Perrottet said.

“He spends the summer in his southern estates and howls in his mansion in Potts Point.

“The member for Keira is nothing more than a landlord in union clothes.

‘With ‘Potts Point Park’ this room has its own Mr Harborside Mansion.’