PM Scott Morrison plays down Coalition rift, lauding “ScoMo and Big Mac” relationship

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has played down a rift in the Coalition parties, as Nationals MPs engage in a war of words.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has played down a rift in the Coalition parties, as Nationals MPs engage in a war of words.

In his Sir Robert Menzies Lecture, he dubbed Nationals leader Michael McCormack “Big Mac” and said their relationship rivalled that of Mr Menzies and John McEwen.

“In the same way that Ming and Black Jack work so well together … I can tell you that ScoMo and Big Mac over here are doing exactly the same thing,” he said.

“It’s a strong bond. And that’s a partnership that is important for our nation and for all the things we hold dear.”

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Scott Morrison arrives to speak at the Sir Robert Menzies Lecture. Picture: AAP Image/Daniel Pockett

Dumped Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce earlier this week declared he was Australia’s “elected deputy Prime Minister” and suggested the Liberal and Nationals parties were not “married”.

It sparked a war of words in which Mr McCormack had a dig at Mr Joyce’s extra-martial affair with former staffer Vikki Campion.

Victoria, NSW and federal Nationals figures slammed Mr Joyce yesterday and told him to “shut up”.

Michael McCormack said he has the support of colleagues. Picture: AAP Image/Peter Rae

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce was told to “shut up”. Picture: Andy Rogers

As tensions simmered in the Coalition, Mr Morrison ironically said in the speech that a Labor government would thrive on conflict.

“There will be a clear choice at this election: between aspiration and envy,” Mr Morrison said.

“A stronger economy with lower taxes under my government or a weaker one with higher taxes under Bill Shorten and Labor; a safer Australia under the coalition or a nation with weak borders under Bill Shorten and Labor.

“A united people or a Labor Party under Bill Shorten that thrives on conflict in our community, setting Australians against Australians.”

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