2016 Federal Election: The voter who touched PM’s heart

ONLOOKERS were moved by an unexpectedly emotional moment on the campaign trail today, when Malcolm Turnbull embraced the father of an MH17 victim.

Malcolm Turnbull was clearly touched by Victor Oreshkin’s story.

THERE were emotional scenes in Sydney today when Malcolm Turnbull embraced the father of MH17 victim Victor Oreshkin during a street walk.

The Prime Minister embraced and hugged Serg Oreshkin while visiting Reid on day six of the election campaign.

Serg’s son Victor, 29, was killed when the Malaysian Airlines flight was shot out of the sky.

The father asked Mr Turnbull that the victims not be forgotten.

Finally. A human moment. Empathy #auspol https://t.co/4aOnN3GV6y

— Neil Varcoe (@neilwrites) May 14, 2016

A raw emotional moment of the #ausvotes election campaign on the streets of Homebush https://t.co/BEa2oXxMkg pic.twitter.com/qkKZIgHP7t

— Alice Workman (@workmanalice) May 14, 2016

@BuzzFeedOzPol Howard had a great grief hug too. Sorry I'm a cynic about these things....you should be too!

— Tony Shaw (@Maynardgcrabbs) May 14, 2016

He said he would like some money put aside so they could be remembered.

A clearly touched Mr Turnbull hugged the man, who broke down telling his story.

The moving moment has resonated with voters and political commentators, with observers describing the scene as a “heartfelt” and “human” moment.

A handful were more cynical, suggesting that the PM would have been very aware the hug made him look empathetic.

Bill Shorten had a more difficult time in Brisbane, where he was heckled by a protester unhappy with Labor’s position on asylum seekers during an ALP education rally.

Meanwhile, Austalian Medical Association president Brian Owler said cuts to bulk billing for pathology services will go ahead at a later date, despite a promise by the PM during last night’s debate that they would continue.

“Cuts to pathology BB incentives only deferred by months. No guarantee BB rates for path won’t change. Disappointing for patients,” Mr Owler tweeted after the debate.

The PM today insisted bulk billing for pathology services will stay.

It comes after the Opposition Leader won the first debate against the PM. In a crowd of 100 undecided voters, 42 chose Bill Shorten, 29 chose Malcolm Turnbull and 29 remained undecided.