‘Can’t be in two places at once’: PM defends Uluru absence

Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has addressed scathing criticism of his Uluru absence by saying he “can’t be in two places at once”.

Mr Morrison’s decision to miss celebrations following the Uluru climbing ban showed a lack of empathy for Indigenous Australians, Labor Senator Pat Dodson said.

“Neither (opposition leader) Anthony Albanese or I were present at that event,” Mr Morrison said. “My schedule didn’t permit to be there. I can’t be in two places at once. I was in WA on the weekend and I was travelling back with my family from the West Australian telethon.”

Mr Morrison acknowledged that the Uluru climbing ban was a “significant change” as well as a “timely one”. Neither Mr Morrison nor his Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt were present as the divisive Uluru tourist climb was closed for good. Opposition leader Anthony Albanese did not travel to the event either and on Sunday was at a community event in Leichardt, Sydney.

The only federal representative of Mr Morrison’s government at the event was Environment Minister Sussan Ley.

Federal Labor had four MPs there, including Indigenous politicians Linda Burney, Pat Dodson and Malarndirri McCarthy, as well as Lingiari member Warren Snowdon. “Well I would’ve thought that the Prime Minister should’ve been attending this occasion. I saw him at the basketball somewhere in Australia,” Mr Dodson told NITV.

“If he had a real empathy with the religious and cultural foundations of the First Nations of this country he should’ve been here.

“The Prime Minister should’ve been at this event and showing respect for First Nations across Australia, but particularly with the Anangu, who have been generous in how they’ve shared this place, and to highlight the importance of Aboriginal culture and spirituality across Australia.”

Mr Snowdon said Mr Morrison did not understand Indigenous issues. “What can you say about a Prime Minister who clearly doesn’t get it. That’s the point here,” Mr Snowdon told NITV.

“If this was some Christian festival somewhere else he’d be up there, doing as he does. This is far more important. This is about respect and understanding.” Ms Burney, the Opposition spokeswoman for Indigenous Australians, also questioned why Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt did not travel to Uluru.