The Prime Minister’s wife says Scott Morrison is mistakenly seen as lacking empathy when he is in fact focused and task-oriented, in a character defense of her husband ahead of the federal election.
Mr Morrison’s personal position has taken a hit in recent months and Labor has repeatedly raised questions about his honesty and integrity. A series of polls show the Liberal-led ruling coalition trailing Labor ahead of elections due in late May.
“He’s all about problem solving, which can sometimes come across as serious, indifferent or lacking in empathy,” Jenny Morrison told Nine’s 60 Minutes in an interview that aired on Sunday.
“But it’s not that at all – it’s seriously focused and task-oriented.”
Asked about his own perceived lack of empathy in response to the human cost of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister said he was bleeding “like everyone else”.
“I do it privately, and I do it quietly and I do it in the arms of my wife and my family,” Mr Morrison said.
It was a deadly time for the government, which last week chose not to pursue debate on the Religious Discrimination Bill in the Senate due to a lack of support, making it unlikely the Liberals could hold out. their election promise to enact such laws.
Grace Tame, child sex abuse survivor and former Australian of the Year, has also been highly critical of the government’s handling of women’s safety issues.
Mr Morrison endured an awkward encounter with Ms Tame at a Lodge morning tea in January, when she held her face stone during a photo shoot and seemed reluctant to shake his hand.
While Mr Morrison has already ruled out the encounter, his wife said in the Nine interview that she wants her own daughters to be respectful.
“I want my girls to grow up to be fierce, strong, independent and amazing people. I think they can still do that and be kind to others and be polite and have good manners,” he said. she declared.
Winning the support of female voters will be crucial to Mr Morrison’s re-election ambitions. A Newspoll published online by The Australian on Sunday shows the Liberal-led coalition’s primary vote remaining at a post-election record high of 34%.
The ‘underdog’ status claimed by Mr Morrison ahead of the 2022 election is not new to the 53-year-old.
Before the 2019 election, Mr Morrison’s government was trailing in the polls after a disorderly leadership change. He quickly secured an election victory which he called a “miracle”.
He said in the interview that doubters had been wrong before and “of course” he could win again.
Australian Associated Press
