Scott Morrison ignores Anthony Albanese's budget reply speech
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and other Coalition MPs have been slammed by high-profile Australians for disrespecting Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese during his budget reply speech.
Albanese delivered his reply to the budget on Thursday night and outlined a range of ALP policies, including childcare reform.
Almost immediately after Albanese began talking, attention shifted to the behaviour of his rivals as screenshots were shared on social media of politicians ignoring the Labor leader as he spoke.
Morrison, for example, turned away from Albanese and fiddled with his phone as well as closed his eyes during the speech.
Well-known Australian barrister Julian Burnside said that the Prime Minister's behaviour was a “disgrace”.
Journalist Troy Bramston also called out the behaviour, sharing a photo which showed that the “only government MP looking at Albanese is Frydenberg”, while author, presenter and political commentator Jamila Rizvi said “Frydenberg is all eyes and ears on Albo but most of the frontbench (including the PM) are on their phones.”
Politics aside, with big speeches like the budget and budget reply, I like seeing politicians listen to each other. Basic old fashioned principles of respect. Frydenberg is all eyes and ears on Albo but most of the frontbench (including the PM) are on their phones. #budgetreply
— Jamila Rizvi (@JamilaRizvi) October 8, 2020
Ordinary Aussies were quick to point out that it was "just plain rude".
These people have #no respect for our democracy and are just plain rude. #slobbyfromarketing #budgetreply #auspol pic.twitter.com/IrqIhqEosV
— Joe2 (@eatatjoe2) October 8, 2020
Am I wrong but I believe I saw our PM turned away from the budget in reply speech absorbed on his phone? If so I am disgusted at the lack of respect to our parliamentary process. Regardless of ideology or partisanship that was offensive and diminished our democracy. #auspol
— Lesley Howard (@adropex) October 8, 2020