Scott Morrison’s embarrassing blunder in tribute to girl found dead

Scott Morrison awkwardly said he “hoped” a nine-year-old girl was okay before almost breaking down when told on live television that a body had been found.

Scott Morrison has awkwardly sent “thoughts and prayers” to the family of a nine-year-old girl, not appearing to know her body had been found, before revising his comments.

A 31-year-old man has been charged with the girl’s murder after human remains were found in a barrel in the NSW Blue Mountains on Tuesday. The gruesome discovery was made after a five-day search for the girl.

The Prime Minister said on Wednesday he “couldn’t imagine” the difficulty the girl’s family were going through.

Scott Morrison on Wednesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

He then followed up with a bizarre comment saying he “hoped” the nine year-old was okay.

“I have been following this privately, this matter … I can’t imagine what the parents and their community have been going through,” Mr Morrison said.

“I – look, you know, hope for the best and pray for it but it doesn’t always occur. My thoughts and prayers frankly are with the family today and that little girl.”

He added: “I hope she’s alright. I really do. I’m sure we all do.”

“Let’s hope that that has a good ending and if that’s someone who’s been brought to justice, then that is also very important.”

Mr Morrison later appeared to be on the verge of tears when told a body had been found.

He apologised when asked if he wanted to revise his comments.

“I’m sorry. I hadn’t seen that before I came out today. That is devastating news. I’m very sorry that..., I’ve been engaged in other issues, as I’m sure you can imagine. Having heard that news, that’s... It’s just... devastating. Thank you.”

Originally published as Scott Morrison’s embarrassing blunder in tribute to girl found dead