Morrison joins in online fun with scandal memes
Former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison received a mixed reaction on social media on Thursday night after poking fun at his secret ministerial appointments by indulging in a flurry of memes and photoshopped images.
Morrison has been under heavy criticism this week amid revelations that he was quietly sworn in to five portfolios while prime minister, in most cases without the knowledge of the existing ministers.
Having offered an explanation and partial apology on Wednesday, Morrison proceeded to revel in a flood of memes on social media.
“Scott Morrison has secretly become our vocalist,” Australian metalcore band Eaten Alive quipped in one such post, which featured an image of Morrison’s head photoshopped onto the body of one of its members. “That’s funny,” Morrison responded.
Several local businesses got in on the fun as well.
Outdoor clothing brand MALi Designs photoshopped Morrison’s face onto a model, alongside the caption: “No wonder our new sun shirts have been selling like hotcakes! Our new model Scott Morrison (ScoMo) has serious talent. Did you know he even photographed himself for this shoot!”
Responding to the meme, he wrote: “This is starting to get a bit weird. But at our house we’re having a good laugh about it. I prefer the caps to the Akubras.”
“Scott Morrison just added Lead Climbing Arborist to his portfolio and started working for us without telling anyone! Great to have you on board ScoMo!” wrote Melbourne business Jefford Tree Services. “I’ll let you know if I need any work done. What time do you need me for my first shift?” Morrison replied.
“Meet our new Wheel Alignment Tech. We look forward to Scott Morrison starting,” said Southport Budget Tyres and Auto, whose photoshopped image showed the former PM carrying a tyre on his shoulder.
“A great opportunity for me to get the skills ready for Bathurst,” said Morrison.
Morrison spent an hour defending himself on Wednesday over claims he engaged in a secret power grab by installing himself in five additional portfolios. But just hours later, the former prime minister was cracking jokes about the saga on Facebook.
“It’s been fun joining in on all the memes. But there are so many now I can’t keep up,” Morrison told his followers. “As Aussies, we can always have a chuckle at ourselves.”
Some Australians applauded him for approaching the controversy with good humour, while others accused him of trying to “laugh off ” a serious matter.