PM rejects criticism he was ‘too slow’ to act in crisis events
Exclusive: Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended the Australian Government’s response to crisis events following criticism he acted “too slow” to assist in the face of emergencies.
In an exclusive interview with Nine’s Political Editor Chris Uhlmann on Today, Mr Morrison said he did not accept that narrative, but every crisis had its learning curves.
“You look at the bushfires, then COVID-19, and then the floods – there are some who would say if you were across all those sorts of things there’s been a familiar pattern – a lack of foresight, acting too slowly when the crisis comes … do you accept any of that as criticism of the way you behave?” Uhlmann asked.
“There is a chorus of commentary that seeks to support that,” Mr Morrison said.
“That is often the same chorus that didn’t like how the last election went.”
The prime minister claimed Australia was quick to move on the JobKeeper program and close its borders to China when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit.
“Was Australia slow to move in calling out the origins of the virus? No,” he said.
When asked if he acted “too slow” to provide assistance for flood-hit communities, Mr Morrison said he moved as quickly as possible.
“We moved as quickly as the defence forces and the agencies can,” he said.
“I understand the frustration because in a disaster like I have seen up in Lismore, no response is ever going to be able to meet the overwhelming need.”
The first response “always come from the community”, Mr Morrison added.
“Then it comes from the SES and then the ADF comes and supports that.”
