If you want a better future, stop swearing: Deputy PM’s clash with Adani protesters

“If you want a better future, stop swearing,” Deputy PM Michael McCormack told anti-Adani mine protesters who hijacked a press conference.

Mr McCormack, right argues with one of the protesters, left. Picture: Facebook/ABC Coffs Coast

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has engaged in a fiery clash with anti-Adani mine protesters who hijacked his press conference today.

The Deputy Prime Minister was in Coffs Harbour today to announce a new regional office for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, but he could not be heard once the protesters appeared.

Mr McCormack was ultimately silenced by the protesters but turned around and shouted at them when one of them called a reporter “a dickhead” for asking why they had brought children to protest.

“You’ve made your protest, there’s no need to protest … if you want a better future, stop swearing,” he said.

Mr McCormack was initially silenced by the protesters, but when one swore at a reporter he aid “If you want a better future, stop swearing”,. Picture: Facebook/ABC Coffs Coast

“Maybe you should tell the next generation that regional jobs rely on coal.”

While one of the protesters continued to arguing with him about the effects of mining on the next generation, Regional Services Minister Bridget McKenzie tried to restart the announcement.

Mr McCormack turned to the protester and shouted: “I’m sure you’d like to go up to Queensland, you’d like to go wherever they dig coal and say you don’t have a job, you don’t have a future.”

After a lull in shouting, Senator McKenzie took over the press conference but small children appeared in front of her and held up anti-Adani signs.

Mr McCormack asked a young girl not to hold the sign near Senator McKenzie’s face, and continued arguing with an older protester.

Eventually, the argument ceased and Senator McKenzie announced 50 AMSA jobs would go to Coffs Harbour from Canberra under her decentralisation policy.

Mr McCormack asked a young girl to not hold an anti-Adani sign near Senator McKenzie’s face as she tried to continue with the press conference. Picture: Facebook/ABC Coffs Coast