'This is so wrong': PM blasted over 'tone deaf' pub photo
A photo of Scott Morrison posing with employees at a UK pub has sparked intense backlash from frustrated Australians.
The Jamaica Inn in Launceston, England, posted the picture of the smiling PM to Facebook on Monday.
“Pleasure to have the Australian Prime Minister [and] his 20+ personal team for lunch this weekend. You never know what you might find at Jamaica Inn!” it was captioned.
Mr Morrison flew to the UK last week to attend the G7 summit as a guest.
However, Aussies have been left less than impressed by his pub pit stop after being told by the government overseas travel won’t be possible until 2022.
Hundreds of people took to the Facebook post to vent their frustration, calling the picture "tone deaf".
“I can’t decide if I’m more angry or sad over this post. So many of us would give anything to see our UK families. Where’s the compassion?” one woman commented under the image.
“What a joke. End off. He should have to quarantine when he gets back,” one man said, adding that he and his wife may move back to the UK so they can visit family.
“He is laughing at us. This is above ridiculous. He continues posting photos that go against what he preaches,” another woman said.
“I can’t believe the audacity of this man! Double standards,” a third woman chimed in.
“This is so wrong. He keeps fellow Australians locked in while enjoying lunches overseas at taxpayers' expense,” one man wrote.
If Australians are given an exemption to travel overseas during the current border closure, they are required to pay for mandatory hotel quarantine upon their return.
Unlike most people, Mr Morrison will quarantine at The Lodge in Canberra, News.com.au reported.
Australia and UK finalise free trade deal
Mr Morrison and his British counterpart Boris Johnson announced a free trade deal on Tuesday after sealing an in-principle agreement over dinner overnight.
"I said we would wait for the right deal, and I think we've got the right deal between the UK and Australia," Mr Morrison told reporters outside 10 Downing Street.
"Our economies are stronger by these agreements. This is the most comprehensive and ambitious agreement that Australia has concluded."
The deal will pave the way for more Australians to live and work in Britain and offer exporters more market options.
It will also scrap a requirement for British backpackers to work on Australian farms before extending their visas.
This could create issues for producers who need seasonal workers to pick crops and regional pubs and clubs who rely heavily on working holiday makers.
But the Nationals say they have secured an agreement to guard against labour shortages, which will be separate to the UK trade deal.
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