ScoMo’s rugby plans prove he’s learnt nothing from bushfires
Scott Morrison’s decision to attend a rugby match in Sydney this weekend after advising the public not to attend mass gatherings is foolish and selfish, like holidaying in Hawaii while the country was burning, writes Susie O’Brien.
Rita Panahi
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison should follow his own edict and not attend any mass
gatherings of more than 500 people .
This includes a Cronulla Sharks and Rabbitohs rugby match in Sydney on Saturday night.
“I am going on Saturday because it might be the last chance for a while,” Morrison said on
Friday.
What a foolish and selfish decision. It’s right up there with his holiday in Hawaii while the
country was burning during the summer.
Missing out on such a key game is tough luck for a rugby fan like him, but the coronavirus is
tough on everyone.
It’s hard on Formula One fans who travelled across the country to come here for the Grand
It’s hard on Robbie Williams fans who were ready to see him in concert over the weekend.
It’s hard on NBA fans across the globe.
And it’s hard on ticket-holders from every other major event that’s been cancelled, from the
Download Festival to the Festival of Flowers.
As I’ve written before, we need strong leadership and clear messaging from our MPs.
By going to the rugby on Saturday night, Morrison is sending mixed messages — that it’s one
rule for him and another for everyone else.
The ban on groups bigger than 500 people comes into effect on Monday, but the timing is a
moot point. If it’s right for then, it’s right for now.
The cancellation of the Grand Prix — one of the biggest events on our international major
events calendar sets a precedent: that “non-essential gatherings” aren’t safe.
It’s a precedent the Prime Minister should stick by.
It’s a bad look at a time when governments need to be clear and cohesive so we can unite
behind them.
On Saturday night photos of Morrison cradling a beer and cheering his team will dominate
the news.
Just wait: I’ll bet he’ll change his mind and buckle under the weight of public pressure.
Either way, it just shows him to be a weak leader at a time when strength is needed.