Mr Morrison regretted and expressed that he would cut short his family vacation to Hawaii and return to the country as soon as arrangements are made. His absence from the country this week has drawn condemnation and protests.
Some opine that this act of the PM shows his ignorance to the seriousness of the crisis. It has been compared to a similar situation where ‘a mother leaves a crying infant in the cot and parties around.’
In a statement he made on Friday Mr. Morrison said, “I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time”.
Australia’s bushfire emergency has killed eight people, destroyed more than 700 houses and scorched millions of hectares since September.
The PM offered his respects to the families of victims killed while battling a blaze near Sydney and decided to cut short his overseas holiday.
“I have been receiving regular updates on the bushfires disaster as well as the status of the search for and treatment of the victims of the White Island tragedy.” He said in a statement.
Mr. Morrison also said the country had been well managed by Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Natural Disaster Minister David Littleproud and Foreign Minister Marise Payne.
In an interview on Sydney radio station 2GB shortly after the statement was released, Mr Morrison said the leave had been arranged some time ago.
He defended his decision not to initially reveal any details of the holidays visit to Hawaii, with his office refusing to confirm the location or the dates of leave, citing security concerns. “I took leave in June and we followed exactly the same practice according to the prime minister’s office protocol” Mr Morrison said.
“Because there has been horrendous events, that has understandably caused a lot of anxiety and I deeply regret that.
“This vacation had been scheduled and arranged some time ago, and that’s just how it was, but I’ll be coming back as soon as I can. “I know Australians would want me back at this time after these fatalities.” He said.
The Prime Minister also confirmed he was in Hawaii during the radio interview, saying he wanted to surprise his children with a holiday vacation. “But if I can return and provide some moral support to people who are out there doing it really tough, then that’s what I’ll be very glad to do,” he said.
Mr Morrison also revealed he had sent a text to Labor leader Anthony Albanese to let him know he would be away for a week, saying that in his absence the Commonwealth’s responsibilities had been “well managed” by Mr. McCormack and other ministers.
The Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack has defended Scott Morrison’s holidays and said “ we are in good working relationship with each other and we try to build a better Australia everyday”. He further supported the PM by saying “everybody deserves a holiday, everybody deserves a break”.
Most of the criticisms of Mr Morrison’s absence has been fuelled by the citizens over social media, with very few of his political opponents willing to criticise his decision.
Mr. Albanese has declined multiple chances to criticise Mr. Morrison and said he had the right to take holidays with his children and family. Speaking to reporters outside Bilpin District Hall, where Mr. Albanese had helped serve breakfast to fire-fighters, he said: “He made the decision, it’s a matter for his judgment.”
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