Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces one-week holiday

The prime minister was savaged for going to Hawaii during the bushfires and he’s certain not to make the same mistake again.

Scott Morrison has publicly declared he is going on a week of leave in an effort to avoid attacks following his infamous Hawaii holiday.

The prime minister released a statement on Monday saying he was taking a “short absence” would return to his duties on Monday, January 18.

Michael McCormack will become the acting prime minister and attend health, economic and vaccine rollout briefings.

He will also handle meeting requests and support from Australian Defence Force personnel from state and territory governments.

“While away, I remain in contact with the chief medical officer Paul Kelly, who will brief me on COVID-19 issues as they occur,” Mr Morrison said.

A Sydney mural by artist Scott Marsh depicting Prime Minister Scott Morrison on holiday in Hawaii. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

The move follows the PM’s controversial family holiday to Hawaii in December 2019, while devastating bushfires raged across Australia.

Mr Morrison was forced to return from the trip early and later apologised for the “great anxiety” caused.

Mr Morrison said he accepted the criticism for taking the trip and would have made “different decisions” with the benefit of hindsight.

He was last week asked if Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews should return from leave early after the state closed its border with NSW following several cases across greater Sydney.

“People need to take their breaks,” Mr Morrison told 3AW.