‘Spirited’ and in detention: What teachers said about PM

Scott Morrison has shared amusing stories from his time at school, as he answers quick - and very direct - questions from kids.

A school-aged Prime Minister Scott Morrison did his “fair share” of detention, was disruptive and found himself on the wrong end of a cane “once or twice”.

Mr Morrison, in a candid interview for podcast Squiz Kids, said his mother would describe him as “spirited” as he revealed he got into trouble in school.

“I did my fair share of detention and you know many years ago they used to give you the cane, and I got that once or twice as well,” Mr Morrison said.

Scott Morrison on his first day of school back at Clovelly Public School in 1973.

He was responding to rapid fire questions submitted in by children, including what his favourite treat was and made to pick from three options — Vegemite, meat pie or lamington.

Steadfastly picking Vegemite, Mr Morrison said he asks for the spread even when he’s overseas and people look at him “sort of funny”.

He listed “strength and understanding” as the most important qualities a Prime Minister should have and said if there’s one thing he could change in the world it would be for “people to be kinder to each other”.

Mr Morrison was also asked if he would feel “sad” if he lost the election.

Without directly answering the question, Mr Morrison said elections in Australia were about people making their choice.

Scott Morrison, centre, rowing for Sydney Boys High School.

“This is one of the great things about Australia … (and) when you love Australia you always respect the decisions of the Australian people.

“It’s important that we have one in the first place, and it’s always important that it’s done properly, and that people think carefully about the decisions they’re going to make and the impact it’s going to have on the future.

“And that’s something that I’ve always respected and loved about the country.”

He was also asked if his daughters, Abbey and Lily, cringed when he pulled out the ukulele during a TV interview.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison with wife Jenny and children Abbey and Lily at Kirribilli House. Sydney NSW. Picture: Jason Edwards

“Well on the ukulele they probably do a bit, but I also don’t mind it,” Mr Morrison said.

“It’s every dad’s responsibility to sometimes embarrass their kids.

“I remember my father used to do that pretty regularly, and we used to have a good laugh about it.”

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