Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister regret saying, 'I don't hold a hose, mate,' when Australians were looking to him for national leadership?

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recall those comments. I was simply making the point that the operational response that was going on at that time was being handled excellently by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Members on my left.

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

And I stand by those comments that I support the amazing efforts of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service which, only a few days ago, we were in here commending and I commend them here again today. Each and every day, we have been working closely with that service, as we have with the CFA in Victoria, and the others around Queensland and South Australia. I note today, as they did yesterday, those opposite sought to politicise the bushfires over summer and they continue to do it now.