Scott Morrison Tells Mum With Autistic Child He’s Blessed Not To Have Disabled Children
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Scott Morrison has copped plenty of criticism for a statement he made during the first leaders debate against Anthony Albanese.
The two leaders of the two main political parties went head-to-head over key voting issues ahead of the May 21 federal election.
The debate covered a hell of a lot of topics and allowed voters the chance to pose a question that would help them decide who to choose.
A mum wanted to know what Scott Morrison had planned for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) if his party was re-elected next month as she has a four-year-old son with autism.
This is the moment Scott Morrison told a mother of a son with autism that he and Jen were “blessed” because he doesn’t have a child with disabilities. Harmful ignorance. pic.twitter.com/L2Wzj8S96C
— Matt Burke (@matttburke) April 20, 2022
Catherine asked: “We are grateful to receive funds through the NDIS but I’ve heard many stories of people having their funds cut recently under the current government.
“I’ve been told to give my son the best future I should vote Labor.
“Can you please tell me what the future of the NDIS looks like under your government?”
The Prime Minister asked Catherine about her son and then made a huge blunder when addressing the situation.
“Jenny and I have been blessed, we have two children who haven’t had to go through that,” he said.
“And so for parents, with children who are disabled, I can only try and understand your aspirations for those children.
“And then I think that is the beauty of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”
It wasn't long before people on social media hit out at the 'blessed' line.
Oh my God… Morrison just told a woman asking about her son with autism he and his wife have been “blessed” because their kids don’t have disabilities. I cannot believe he said that.
— Stephen Spencer (@sspencer_63) April 20, 2022
Still thinking about Scott Morrison saying he's been 'blessed' not having a child with disability. Every child is a blessing, and deserves to be a valued and supported member of our community. Morrison doesn't get it and that's why the #ndis isn't working #LeadersDebate #ausvotes
— Kate Thwaites (@ThwaitesKate) April 20, 2022
ScoMo says he is “blessed” to have two non disabled children. Every child is a blessing. The NDIS is there to help people with disability live their lives to the fullest. The Morrison Gov has slashed NDIS plans for 1000s of children around Australia. Labor will fix the NDIS.
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) April 20, 2022
One viewer said: "I’m only a small fish on Twitter but my feed is full of people who are announcing that they are blessed to be the parent of someone with a disability. Out of everything tonight I think THAT insensitive comment by Morrison will be a decider for many."
Another added: "I have a 5-year-old son with autism and he is definitely no less than Morrison's two daughters. My wife and I are blessed to have Oscar."
A third wrote: "Morrison thoughts on autism blew me away. He and Jenny are blessed to not have a child with autism. What a disgusting piece of s**t he is. My autistic grandson is the highlight of my life, poor man has covid at the moment but he is still a joy."
Scott Morrison explained further in his answer to Catherine that he loves the National Disability Insurance Scheme because it can help people like her and her son.
He gave the example of how his brother-in-law has greatly benefited from the NDIS after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
However, he then added that his government needs to get 'assessments right', according to News Corp, to ensure the NDIS can continue.
Featured Image Credit: Sky News Australia
Topics: Australia
