PM Scott Morrison slams student protest, Greens say he is ‘out of touch’

Scott Morrison has been branded “unbelievably out of touch” and “even worse than Tony Abbott” after slamming a student protest.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been slammed for being “out of touch” and failing the future.

Mr Morrison took aim at kids skipping school to protest about climate change inaction on Friday, sparking further outrage from the students.

During question time in parliament on Monday, Mr Morrison condemned the school strike for climate action happening in 30 cities and towns across Australia, saying kids should stay in school.

Mr Morrison furiously reacted to Greens MP Adam Bandt who asked if he supported the School Strike 4 Climate Action movement

Sydney school strike lead organiser Jean Hinchliffe, 14, said they were sick and tired of politicians playing politics with their futures.

“Maybe if the people in our parliament listened to the science and took action like those of us in school are, we wouldn’t have to resort to strike action like this,” the Fort Street High student said.

“We’re striking to say enough is enough. People’s lives are on the line. It’s time to act on the climate crisis before it’s too late.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison reacts during question time at Parliament House on Monday. Picture: Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images

Melbourne School striker Jagveer Singh, 17, said enough was enough.

“We’ve tried many different ways to deal with climate change ‘outside of school’ but Prime Minister, you have failed to represent us, you have failed to stand up to the climate deniers in your party and you have failed to show courage,” the Hoppers Crossing student said.

“We will strike this week, we will strike for a safer future, we will strike to demand climate action, we will strike to make our voices heard, regardless of whether or not you like it.”

Hundreds of students are expected to walk out of school to demand urgent political action on climate change on Friday.

They have been inspired by Swedish 15-year-old Greta Thunberg, who has been protesting climate change inaction in Stockholm.

Mr Morrison implored children to stay in class rather than protesting things that “can be dealt with outside of school”.

“Each day I send my kids to school and I know other members’ kids should also go to school but we do not support our schools being turned into parliaments,” Mr Morrison told parliament on Monday.

“What we want is more learning in schools and less activism in schools.”

Mr Bandt said he had met with some of the students involved and backed their actions.

“The PM is unbelievably out of touch with young people, not only in Australia but around the world,” he said.

“These students want a leader to protect their future, but they got a hectoring, ungenerous and condescending rebuke from someone even worse than Tony Abbott.”

Australian Greens MP Adam Bandt in parliament on Monday. Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP