Politicians slammed for ‘offensive’ and ‘disrespectful’ Afghanistan tweets

Barnaby Joyce has taken a swipe at one of his Nationals colleagues for trying to link the Taliban to a domestic debate about climate change.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has criticised his “friend” and Nationals Party colleague Matt Canavan for a tweet in which he conflated domestic climate policy with the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan.

“Does anyone know when the Taliban will sign up to net zero?” Senator Canavan tweeted on Monday as Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, fell to the terrorist group.

The post received widespread condemnation, with Mr Joyce later telling Guardian Australia the two issues were “disparate”.

“The Taliban have a history of gross cruelty, murder and persecution. Women raped, girls sent into prostitution, eyes gouged out, beheadings and a litany of deprivation,” he said.

“Matt is my friend and I have conveyed that a focus should be empathy and action for Afghanistan – undivided by other issues.”

Victorian Liberal MP Edward O’Donohue was also roundly criticised for a tweet he made – and deleted – on Monday.

“Melbourne follows Kabul in introducing a curfew. #springst,” he wrote.

Mr O’Donohue, who was tweeting in relation to Victoria’s strict new 9pm to 5am curfew announced on Monday, later removed his post following a flood of criticism.

“This tweet is as disgusting as it is disrespectful on so many levels,” Victorian Trades Hall Council Secretary Luke Hilakari wrote.

“Grossly insensitive & offensive to the people of Afghanistan,” Victorian Labor MP Nina Taylor posted.

Mr O'Donohue later deleted his tweet following a flood of criticism

This tweet is as disgusting as it is disrespectful on so many levels.

Is this the standard you walk by @michaelobrienmp or is he a number you’re counting on? https://t.co/CGaD7wAWAl

— Luke Hilakari (@lhilakari) August 16, 2021

Senator Canavan received similar backlash for his tweet – even from people within his own party.

“Disappointing, insensitive & unnecessary,” former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack tweeted at Senator Canavan.

“To compare climate policy with the bloodshed on the streets of Kabul is out of place & unworthy of a member of the Australian parliament.”

Disappointing, insensitive & unnecessary. To compare climate policy with the bloodshed on the streets of Kabul is out of place & unworthy of a member of the Australian Parliament. Our thoughts today should be for the Afghan people & the families of our brave fallen Diggers. pic.twitter.com/P0Y380tw6h

— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) August 16, 2021

Nationals colleague Darren Chester expressed similar sentiments.

“Offensive, disrespectful and totally lacking in any compassion for the 41 brave Australians who lost their lives, the families who grieve for them, the 39,000 Australians who served in this conflict, and the people of Afghanistan,” he wrote.

Greens senator Lydia Thorpe slammed Senator Canavan, telling him: “You are a disgrace.”

What a fucking joke!!! You are a disgrace! https://t.co/jeiM6D7YO0

— Senator Lidia Thorpe (@SenatorThorpe) August 16, 2021

Senator Canavan defended his position, telling NCA NewsWire that Australia’s priorities were “misplaced”.

“We continue to distract ourselves with first world problems while the larger issue of our national security goes ignored,” he said

“We need to redevelop our manufacturing and industrial strength, not try to save the planet or bring democracy to countries that it doesn't suit.

“I am just trying to shout this wake-up call before it is too late.”

Afghanistan is in a state of chaos as the war-torn country falls to Taliban militants.

Afghanistan is in a state of chaos as the war-torn country falls to Taliban militants. Picture: AFP.

Kabul was the last city not controlled by the terrorist group after a takeover campaign that began months ago. But on Monday, the Taliban claimed victory over the capital.

Speaking to the ABC on Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Afghanistan was in a “terrible situation.”

When asked about the Afghan women, children and girls whose lives will now be ruled by the Taliban, Mr Morrison said: “I’m devastated. absolutely devastated.”