Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been ridiculed for his ‘cringe-worthy’ speech addressing Barnaby Joyce’s affair with his former staffer on Thursday.
Mr Turnbull revealed a re-write of the ministerial code to ban sexual relationships between his ministers and their staff, and slammed Mr Joyce for his ‘shocking error of judgement’.
While some were puzzled at his decision not to sack Mr Joyce – sending him on leave instead – others were left baffled at his awkward wording.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) has been ridiculed for his ‘cringe-worthy’ speech addressing Barnaby Joyce’s affair with his former staffer on Thursday
Mr Turnbull said by having an affair with his former staffer, Vikki Campion, 33, Mr Joyce ‘set off a world of woe’, adding that his ex wife and four daughters were the ones hardest hit by the ‘dreadful business’.
‘It has been a dreadful thing for them to go through in the glare of publicity. Marriage breakups are dreadful. But to do it, to experience in the full glare of the spotlight is a dreadful business.’
He went on to explain how Mr Joyce’s upcoming leave would allow him time to prepare for the birth of the child he is expecting with Ms Campion, which is due in less than two months.
‘I think it is that he needs that leave. He needs that time to reflect. He needs that time to seek forgiveness and understanding from his wife and girls. He needs to make a new home for his partner and their baby who is coming in April.’
Mr Turnbull revealed a re-write of the ministerial code to ban sexual relationships between his ministers and their staff, and slammed Mr Joyce for his ‘shocking error of judgement’
Mr Turnbull said by having an affair with his former staffer, Vikki Campion (pictured), 33, Mr Joyce ‘set off a world of woe’
The dis-jointed speech was hailed ‘pathetic’ by disappointed civilians, who took to Twitter to blast the Prime Minister and what has become known as his ‘bonk ban’.
‘The most pathetic speech Malcolm Turnbull has ever given,’ a social media user wrote.
‘The #bonkban is all about making it look like the affair is what Barnaby Joyce did wrong. When in actuality it was the job for his mistress that’s the main issue,’ someone else argued.
Another had a similar complaint: ‘Can’t believe Turnbull is attempting to spin Barnaby Joyce. I thought he was calling the presser to sack him. It’s not the affair, it’s the subsequent chain of events that is resultant ie. nepotism and corruption.’
Several social media users were left confused and baffled at Mr Turnbull’s bizarre speech
‘The #bonkban is all about making it look like the affair is what Barnaby Joyce did wrong. When in actuality it was the job for his mistress that’s the main issue,’ a social media user argued.
Another had a similar complaint: ‘Can’t believe Turnbull is attempting to spin Barnaby Joyce. I thought he was calling the presser to sack him. It’s not the affair, it’s the subsequent chain of events that is resultant ie. nepotism and corruption.’
Several pointed out how re-writing the ministerial code of conduct was an embarrassing reminder of the nation’s current political standing.
Photo shopped images poking fun at the current state of Australian parliament also plagued social media in the wake of Mr Turnbull’s speech.
Several pointed out how re-writing the ministerial code of conduct was an embarrassing reminder of the nation’s current political standing
Photo shopped images poking fun at the current state of Australian parliament also plagued social media in the wake of Mr Turnbull’s speech