Mum's powerful open letter to Scott Morrison as son battles fires
A mother has penned an emotional letter to the prime minister of Australia, who announced on Friday he would be returning from his Hawaii getaway, while her son fights the fires.
The mother starts off by saying she is writing the impassioned letter on behalf of mothers with children fighting fires everywhere before addressing the PM’s controversial holiday.
“Everyone deserves a holiday. No questions. However I do not believe this is the right decision,” the mother says.
“My son deserves a holiday too. But he can’t. Want to know why Mr Morrison? Because he is a retained firefighter for FRNSW and also a volunteer with RFS. He can’t have leave right now.”
Right now firefighters are fighting deadly blazes across the country and on Friday, it was confirmed two volunteer firefighters – both young fathers – were killed while tending to the Green Wattle blaze.
The mother explains her son cannot enjoy a family meal right now and it is unlikely he will be able to spend Christmas Day with his loved ones.
“He is exhausted. Like all the others. And for the RFS he gets nothing,” she said.
In recent weeks, volunteer firefighters have turned to crowdfunding to cover the cost of essentials, or as the mother calls them “the bloody essentials”.
“Water. Food. Bandaids. Lip balm. Throat lozenges – have you ever breathed so much smoke Mr Morrison that your throat burns?” she asked.
“I guess not in Hawaii.
“Have you ever had your lips peel so badly that they bleed from the intense heat? Probably not in Hawaii.
“Have you been gasping for just a tiny drink of water but can’t because you know there isn’t enough for everyone. Guess not in Hawaii.”
While even the prime minister is entitled to a holiday, his decision to jet off to Hawaii has been criticised by many Australians and the mother calls out ScoMo for not leading Australia during this sinister period.
“There will be time for that [a holiday to Hawaii] a bit later. You are meant to be leading this country.
“Well right now the only leaders I see, in NSW, is our RFS Commander Fitzsimmons and all his team. They are the true leaders.”
The mother didn’t stop there. She went on to say if a fire was to start near Mr Morrison’s house, his home and his belongings would be safe, “including your mementoes from your trip to Hawaii”, yet if a fire was threatening her home her own son wouldn’t be there to help.
“He would be helping the nursing homes, the hospital, the communities who need help. Like so many firefighters who have lost their own homes whilst defending others,” she said.
“So no. Mr Morrison I really don’t think the best time for you to have a family holiday in Hawaii is right now.”
On Friday, Mr Morrison announced he would be returning from his family holiday, following the news of the firefighters who died.
“Given these most recent tragic events, I will be returning to Sydney from leave as soon as can be arranged,” his statement read.
"I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time.”
The mother then suggested Mr Morrison make a pit stop over in New Zealand to learn from Jacinda Ardern.
“Now that is a leader,” the mother said before signing to Facebook post.
“From a very proud and scared mum.”
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
