“Offensive” social media posts made by an Adelaide construction boss included slurs against female politicians including former PM Julia Gillard.

Mario Romaldi was appointed to the board of SA’s Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission but was forced to resign after a number of crude social posts he had made came to light.

The old posts referred to Julia Gillard as a “reckless backstabbing lesbian” and a “patronising b..ch” and one included a picture of Mr Romaldi posing in front of a dartboard featuring images of Ms Gillard.

He also retweeted an image of Senator Hanson-Young with the caption: ‘Beware. Meeting this person may incite violence.’

Labor multicultural affairs spokeswoman Katrine Hildyard said the comments were “utterly offensive”.

“This goes to Mr Marshall’s judgment. How can he believe somebody who holds such ­offensive views about women is a suitable appointee for a government board?” she said.

“Romaldi’s posts are the complete antithesis of SAMEAC’s values. Steven Marshall chose to sack most of SAMEAC’s board. Steven Marshall chose to appoint Romaldi to the board. Steven Marshall must now act.”

The Premier later released a statement that said:

“Mr Romaldi regrets the ­nature of the comments that he made on social media some years ago.

“Mr Romaldi has offered me his resignation from the… board and I have accepted.”