Labor candidate apologises for rape joke as PM calls for better vetting

Labor candidate Luke Creasey for the federal seat of Melbourne has apologised for sharing a rape joke and pornographic material on social media.

Luke Creasey (left) and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. Source: AAP

A Labor candidate for the federal election has apologised for sharing a rape joke online, becoming the latest candidate to come under fire for their social media activity. 

Luke Creasey, who is running for the seat of Melbourne, is also in strife for sharing pornographic material.

"It's been brought to my attention that some posts I shared on social media a number of years ago have been circulated," Mr Creasey told AAP on Wednesday.

Labor's candidate for Melbourne, Luke Creasey, has apologised for sharing a rape joke online. Source: AAP

"They were stupid, immature and in no way reflect the views I hold today. I apologise for these posts which have been removed."

Mr Creasey is the latest in a long line of candidates to have their lewd posts to social media exposed during the campaign.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison called on the vetting process for candidates to be improved after two Liberal candidates became casualties.

Liberal candidate for the Victorian seat of Wills Peter Killin resigned on Wednesday within hours of apologising for a series of homophobic statements. 

Earlier in the day, the Liberals dumped Victorian candidate for Isaacs Jeremy Hearn over an anti-Islam rant in the comments section of an online magazine article. 

And as the prime minister campaigns in Tasmania, the Liberal candidate for Lyons has been accused of posting anti-Muslim views.

Liberal candidate for Lyons Jessica Whelan with Scott Morrison during a campaign stop. Source: AAP

Jessica Whelan, has denied she made the comments and wants an investigation into the Facebook posts bearing her name, The Hobart Mercury reports.

The seat of Melbourne is held by the Greens' Adam Bandt.

Mr Bandt said Mr Creasey had been sharing rape jokes at the same time that he was representing Melbourne's values in parliament.

"Violence against women in any circumstances is unacceptable," he told AAP in a statement.

"I think Mr Creasey needs to reconsider whether he remains as the Labor candidate."

Victorian Liberal Senator Jane Hume called on the Labor Party to sack him.