Lisa Wilkinson pens open advice letter to Scott Morrison

Journalist and TV presenter Lisa Wilkinson has taken aim at newly re-elected Prime Minister Scott Morrison, offering him a few choice words of advice.

One of Australia’s most influential women has written to newly re-elected Prime Minister Scott Morrison, congratulating him on his election victory — and urging him to start his new term “with some healing”.

TV host and journalist Lisa Wilkinson slammed the toxic culture of Australian politics and appealed to Mr Morrison for “real leadership — both here and on the world stage — with a genuinely clear direction that doesn’t alter course with the latest Newspoll”.

Lisa Wilkinson has taken a shot at re-elected PM Scott Morrison, offering him some tips on how to be a better leader. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

In her open letter, just published on the 10 daily website, Ms Wilkinson writes: “Prime Minister, you may have noticed we’re all feeling just a little broken right now — broken-hearted in fact, at how toxic the Australian body politic has become — and a return to basic civility in public discourse would be a great start to that healing.

“We are sick and tired of the energy spent on infighting, political pointscoring and the tribal, factional warfare of recent years. We are aching for inspiring solutions put together by serious people, at a time when we are facing serious problems.”

In her open letter addressed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Lisa Wilkinson said she was tired of the “infighting” and how “toxic” Australian politics had become. Picture: AP Photo

Zeroing in on the evermore apparent horrors of climate change, the rising rates of anxiety and depression, homelessness, gender inequality and domestic violence, Ms Wilkinson urges the PM to look beyond economic politics to build a socially stronger Australia.

Wishing him luck in the job, she rounds off the letter with a reference to New Zealand’s leader, Jacinda Ardern, who received worldwide acclaim for how she handled the Christchurch mosque massacre.

Lisa Wilkinson has said that prime minister Scott Morrison should call on New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, if he ever needs advice. Picture: AFP

“If you’re ever in doubt when those big decision-making moments arise, when all the nation turns its lonely eyes to you, if despite all your best efforts you find that wisdom is failing you, can you do us a favour? Just call Jacinda.”

But when Wilkinson posted the link to her letter to the PM on Twitter she received some backlash.

Are her countless business class or first class trips to the US carbon neutral? 😂😂😂 #Hypocrite

— Lee (@LeeMWarren) May 18, 2019

You always have to claim gender bias...its getting pretty exhausting.

— TJ Bart (@TJR2206) May 18, 2019

If a person falls in front of us, we don’t ask which party they support - we rush to help. We help each other regardless of political persuasions and I believe this is the way Scott and his his team will lead our country.

— Inga Apostol (@ingaleigh7) May 18, 2019

Dear Lisa. Tonight is not about you. It’s about the people. The people of Australia. Ya know, the majority of Fair dinking die aussies. They have spoken. Proud of ya aussies. Different backgrounds but same thoughts. This is Australia.

— teganbarry (@teganbarry4) May 18, 2019

I reckon there would be a gender pay gap between Lisa and I , how about I get 14% more to bring me up to her level

— Jacob Van De Water (@kiwijake85) May 18, 2019

Did an 8-year-old write this letter?

— Jack Houghton (@Houghtontweets) May 18, 2019

However, some people thought Wilkinson had a fair point, especially when it comes to policies that protect the less fortunate.

Well said Lisa but sadly I fear the future of our politics is going to be #Trumpesque in its manner. The resignation of Liberal MPs prior to the election announcement is an indication of what is ahead. #DisabledandWorried

— Lisa Pears (@LisaPears4) May 18, 2019

Toss in a little bit of fairness for those who are struggling like the 1 million children living in poverty, the homeless, the pensioners who don’t eat - all in a country our country Australia - and it’s superb Ms Wilkinson. Excellent if he reads & inwardly digests.

— 💧CLV155* (@colinelvy11) May 18, 2019