Scott Morrison is being slammed for his inconsiderate comments during Question Time, suggesting it was lucky that we live in a “vibrant liberal democracy” where March 4 Justice protesters aren’t met with “bullets.”
By bullets, Morrison is referring to the protests currently happening in Myanmar, which has resulted in a number of protestor deaths. Protests ignited after the military seized control of the country and detained National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
“This is a vibrant liberal democracy, Mr Speaker, not far from here, such marches, even now, are being met with bullets, but not here in this country, Mr Speaker,” Morrison said.
“This is a triumph of democracy when we see these things take place,” Morrison added before the chamber erupted with boos and interjections.
The statement also comes up on the two-year anniversary of the Christchurch shootings, committed by an Australian.
https://twitter.com/naveenjrazik/status/1371304257039691780
Many people were angry about Scott Morrison’s comments, including Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, who slammed the Prime Minister during QT.
https://twitter.com/tegangeorge/status/1371304666995191813
Other politicians have also spoken out against Scott Morrison, like Adam Bandt, Sarah Hanson-Young and Tanya Plibersek.
Greens Leader @AdamBandt says @ScottMorrisonMP must apologise for his statement on #WomensMarch4Justice : “The PM’s message was be grateful we didn’t shoot you! This is unbelievably appalling behaviour.” #AusPol @SBSNews https://t.co/yv2G0XqSJo pic.twitter.com/6OI8pz2Xxa
— Naveen Razik (@naveenjrazik) March 15, 2021
Almost as good as when asked about inadequate hospital services leading to women giving birth by the side of the highway…. and he said, yeah – that’s why we built them a better highway. https://t.co/eSRv9PswGa
— Tanya Plibersek (@tanya_plibersek) March 15, 2021
The Prime Minister thinks women should be grateful that we weren’t shot for rallying for our own safety and respect at rallies across the country today.
Who is advising him? This is cooked.— 💚🌏 Sarah Hanson-Young (@sarahinthesen8) March 15, 2021
What kind of message does it send when our own Prime Minister thinks women should be grateful that they aren’t shot down for standing up for their rights?
What? At least here in Australia we don’t shoot our women? Is that the point he’s trying to make? https://t.co/vSuCMIBA5k
— Barrie Cassidy (@barriecassidy) March 15, 2021
Australia 2021
Where women journalists who pursue rape allegation stories are sued by members of the govt.
And where women who speak out about rape allegations should be thankful the govt isn’t gunning them down.
— RonniSalt (@RonniSalt) March 15, 2021
This comes after two high-profile allegations of rape, one a historical allegation against Attorney-General Christian Porter, and a second against a senior parliamentary staffer by former staffer Brittany Higgins.
Higgins spoke at the March 4 Justice Canberra rally, calling for a meaningful reform to the workplace culture inside Parliament House, to set a standard for the rest of Australia.
“I encourage each and every one of you to set boundaries for yourself and be ruthless in your defence of them. Speak up. Share your truth and know that you have a generation of women ready, willing and able to support you,” Higgins said.
However, when Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese tried to voice concerns about Brittany Higgins during Question Time, he was immediately shut down by Peter Dutton.
He is deplorable. Dutton shuts down Albo in QT as Ministers walk out. Brittany Higgins concerns couldn’t even be heard. pic.twitter.com/uFd5bcdkHR
— Foxy Bogan (@foxybogan) March 15, 2021
Time’s up, Parliament.
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