Bettles’ partner, Dr Sue Acton, told the Herald she expected the road to recovery to last for months, and has plans to fly to the US to be with him. “I’m just pleased it’s not worse,” she said.
The Grain Producers Association said in a statement that Bettles experienced “an injury” while overseas. “The GPA board is supporting his family and authorities to provide assistance where possible,” the statement said.
A spokesperson for DFAT said Bettles was receiving assistance from consular officials.
Before leaving journalism to take up a position with McCormack’s office in 2018, Bettles worked for more than 10 years as a journalist covering the grains industry, rural and agricultural issues.
The San Francisco police department was contacted for comment.