Scott Morrison Slammed For Saying Aussies Should Be Happy They Can Rally Without Being Shot

Tens of thousands of Aussies rallied in cities across the country yesterday to demand an end to sexism, misogyny and unsafe workplace cultures in the wake of two rape claims that have rocked Australian politics.

The Prime Minister was invited to attend the rally in Canberra outside Parliament House and simply listen to what was said, however he declined.

Instead, he got up during Question Time to praise the fact that we live in a Western democracy that allows people to protest against things in society.

However, what he specifically said has been flagged for being tone deaf.

"It is good and right that so many are able to gather here in this way, whether in our capital or elsewhere, and to do so peacefully to express their concerns and their very genuine and real frustrations," Scott Morrison said.

"This is a vibrant liberal democracy, Mr Speaker, not far from here, such marches, even now, are being met with bullets, but not here in this country, Mr Speaker," Scott Morrison said.

"This is a triumph of democracy when we see these things take place."

The room erupted in boos and jeers from politicians who said the more than 75,000 people who were rallying around Australia were protesting the idea that two women came forward with allegations of sexual assault and the government's handling of both crises.

Greens leader Adam Bandt and Senator Larissa Waters want the Prime Minister to retract his statement and issue a new one.

"The Prime Minister's message for women who were demanding justice and change, was 'be grateful we didn't shoot you'. This is unbelievably appalling behaviour," Mr Bandt railed.

"The PM must apologise to the women who organised and attended today's rally, for his disgraceful statements that display this man has no idea."

Scott Morrison was also attacked by Opposition leader Anthony Albanese, who said the comments show the Prime Minister is unable to show empathy during a delicate situation.

"The Prime Minister needs to listen to what women are saying about what is happening in this building, and outside. They said enough is enough," he said.

"They're crying out that this is a moment that requires leadership. It requires leadership from this Prime Minister, and we are not getting it."

While the Prime Minister didn't attend the rally outside in Canberra, he did invite the organiser for a private meeting so that she could highlight her concerns.

That offer was rejected because advocates wanted Scott Morrison to listen to all the speakers and feel their passion for change.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie