Federal Minister for Sport Kate Lundy says it was “absolutely ok” that a 13-year-old girl was identified in the media after shouting a racial slur at Sydney AFL star Adam Goodes.

Goodes received an apology from the girl after Friday night’s game at the MCG and said, while he was “gutted” by her comment, she needed to be supported and educated.

However the highly publicised case has since resulted in the 13-year-old’s name and face being made public around the nation.

While minors are usually shielded by Australian law from being publicly identified if they commit illegal acts, there are no laws in place if the issue is an ethical one.

When asked if the minor should have been identified for the racial slur, Senator Lundy told reporters that it was a tough situation as it was all captured on camera.

“I think it has turned out to be absolutely ok. I think she’s very regretful,” she said.

Senator Lundy said the public discussion that had taken place following the young girl’s regretful comments had focused on the fact that racism was not welcome in Australia.

“It’s a tough situation for that young girl. It’s also a reminder to everybody, including parents, that we all have a responsibility to make sure racism has no place,” she said.