Photo of Scott Morrison at site of jumping castle tragedy sparks debate

Scott Morrison’s visit to Tasmania’s jumping castle tragedy site sparked backlash, just as the PM’s unofficial election campaign kicks off.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s tribute to the young victims of Tasmania’s jumping castle tragedy has taken a bizarre turn, with critics questioning his motives.

On Saturday afternoon, Mr Morrison and wife Jenny visited Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport.

Two days prior, a freak weather event sent a jumping castle airborne during an end-of-school celebration, claiming six lives and leaving two more children critically injured.

The couple laid flowers and a touching note, knelt for a minute’s silence and spent time reading other tributes to Addison Stewart, 11, Zane Mellor, 12, Jye Sheehan, 12, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12 and Peter Dodt, 12.

The Morrisons paid an emotional visit to Hillcrest Primary School on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Grant Viney

On Sunday afternoon, it was revealed that a sixth victim, Chace Harrison, 11, had also died.

After the Morrisons’ visit captured the attention of media already stationed at the school, it didn’t take long for criticism to mount, though many defended the “entirely appropriate” act.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday afternoon, former Wallaby and veteran journalist Peter FitzSimons questioned the appropriateness of the PM’s visit.

“To me this seems to be more a matter for the Governor-General to arrive expressing the nation’s grief and shock, rather than the PM?” he posted.

To me this seems to be more a matter for the Governor-General to arrive expressing the nation's grief and shock, rather than the PM?#Auspol

‘Australia is one with them’: PM arrives in Tasmania after Hillcrest jumping castle tragedy https://t.co/4XZJVpNeXp

— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) December 18, 2021

Former Labor Senator Doug Cameron also weighed in, claiming Mr Morrison has turned a press conference announcing funding support for those impacted by the tragedy “into a partisan political advert for Liberal politicians”.

To the Morrison apologists who criticised my previous tweet listen to Morrison at about 2m29sec turn his presser into a partisan political advert for Liberal politicians.
It’s not about Tasmanian Liberals. It’s about a horrendous national tragedy! https://t.co/WTpUsO6hWi

— Doug Cameron (@DougCameron51) December 18, 2021

And everyday Aussies were also quick to slam the PM after Tasmanian ABC reporter Monte Bovill shared a snap of the Morrisons at the site, with one Twitter user claiming the leader was “not one to miss a photo opportunity” and accusing him of “turning tragedy into a public relations exercise”.

Australia’s Prime Minister leaves flowers outside Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania @abcnewspic.twitter.com/czgbbjCEpi

— Monte Bovill (@MonteBovill) December 18, 2021

However, the furore sparked a wider conversation about whether the criticism was unfair, with veteran entertainment reporter Peter Ford arguing Mr Morrison was in a hopeless position, and that “the same people would be on the attack if he didn’t” visit the site to pay his respects.

He also hit out at FitzSimons’ comments, claiming they were a “bit odd” given he had “previously sung the praises of Jacinda Ardern for her compassion and care during times of tragedy in NZ”, including the aftermath of the Christchurch massacre.

Gee Twitter at it’s finest criticising the PM for visiting Devonport. Reckon the same people would be on the attack if he didn’t. Maybe if it made a grieving family, or local community, feel important and comforted for a few minutes it’s worth it?

— Peter Ford (@mrpford) December 18, 2021

Other prominent Australians also leapt to Mr Morrison’s defence, with former TV personality and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas dismissing the criticism as “ridiculous” and arguing the site visit was the “right thing for the Prime Minister to do”.

Former Howard government minister and Sky News host Gary Hardgrave also spoke out, posting that it was “most appropriate for Scott Morrison and Mrs Morrison to be there”.

A string of reporters on the scene also defended the Morrisons, including Bovill, whose original tweet was used to spark the storm.

“For everyone replying to this. You weren’t there. There was no media opportunity, no political or campaign announcements in the northwest. The media were already at the school,” he posted.

“You are using this to fit your own narrative...kids died and you make this about politics?”

7 News’ Nick McCallum agreed, writing that: “Prime Minister and Mrs Morrison’s visit to Hillcrest Primary was entirely appropriate. It was respectful … low key … showed emotions we all feel. No-one we spoke to in Devonport, including victims’ families, indicated they had any problem with it”.

Beau Medcraft, who was also injured in the jumping castle tragedy, visits the memorial with his parents. Picture: Jason Edwards

The uproar comes as Mr Morrison kicks off his unofficial election campaign, with Aussies expected to possibly head to the polls in May next year.

Mr Morrison is headed to Brisbane today to visit two marginal seats – Lilley and Moreton – as part of a surprise, end-of-year campaign blitz.

He’s also expected to tour the seat of Longman later this week.

The PM is set to announce the launch of a new truck driving apprenticeship today, to combat an expected driver shortage which could create further supply chain pressures.

It marks Mr Morrison’s second Queensland visit in just one week since the border reopened, highlighting just how crucial the Sunshine State could be in the looming election.

Originally published as Photo of Scott Morrison at site of jumping castle tragedy sparks debate