'The irony': Social media erupts over subtle act before PM's press conference
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- Scott Morrison30th Prime Minister of Australia
A simple act prior to Scott Morrison’s press conference at a Townsville factory on Tuesday has left social media users in hysterics.
A series of images posted online by ABC cameraman Matt Roberts show factory staff covering up a workplace sign just moments before the prime minister fronted the media on his latest campaign stop.
“If you mess up, ‘Fess Up’,” the signs reads.
The photos show a worker tucking a hi-vis vest over the sign, which remains covered by the bright orange item during Mr Morrison’s time in front of the cameras.
Despite initial claims Liberal campaign advancers ordered staff to hide the sign, political reporter for The Guardian, Amy Remeikis, tweeted that was not the case.
“Apparently a worker covered this up, not an advancer,” she said, following a huge reaction to the symbolic moment on social media.
Yahoo News Australia has contacted Mr Morrison’s office for comment.
Social media erupts over 'ironic' moment
The prime minister's political opponents have consistently tried to portray Mr Morrison as a leader who never takes responsibility and never admits fault.
The images have created a stir online, with many Twitter users pointing out “the irony” of the situation.
“Another Morrison cover-up,” one person wrote.
“Something ScoMo doesn’t do,” another said, referencing the sign’s message.
A sign at a factory in Townsville. #auspol #ausvotes pic.twitter.com/U23wTBF6rE
— Matt Roberts (@ACTcameramatt) April 26, 2022
“You have captured the essence of Morrison’s flawed character,” a third person chimed in.
A handful of social media users suggested the incident was an example of the 'Streisand effect' — a phenomenon that occurs when an attempt to hide or censor information actually increases awareness, drawing more attention than it otherwise would have.
Labor party responds to 'cover-up'
The Labor party was quick to jump on the backlash, retweeting the images less than half an hour after they were posted.
“REVEALED: Scott Morrison’s political plan: If you mess up, cover up,” the caption reads.
Their fast response did not go unnoticed by followers.
“Labor is already on it!” one person wrote.
“Wonder why they felt compelled to cover up that apt slogan,” another said.
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