Scott Morrison has been brutally trolled online after sending a congratulatory message to Ash Barty following her shock decision to retire from tennis.
The Prime Minister was among the many to send messages of support to Barty on Wednesday after the Aussie star announced she’s hanging up her racquet at age 25.
Mr Morrison took to Twitter to praise Barty, writing: “Great to speak with Ash Barty today and simply say, ‘Thank you Ash’.
“Thank you for inspiring a nation. You are all class. Your achievements will be celebrated for all time.
“On behalf of all Australians, all the best to you and your fiancé Garry for your wedding and new life together.”
While seemingly innocuous on the surface, many Australians took the opportunity to savage the Prime Minister.
ABC News reported on Wednesday afternoon that Barty hadn’t actually picked up Mr Morrison’s call and that he left her a voicemail.
Former Labor MP Cherly Kernot was among the many to point out that Mr Morrison claimed he spoke to Barty despite the reports he only left her a message.
“ABC News reported that she didn’t answer so you left a message?? Is that actually ‘speaking’ with her?? Slippery if true,” Kernot tweeted.
Others accused the Prime Minister of trying to deflect the controversy surrounding him on a number of issues, while some wished he’d responded to the flood crisis as quickly as he responded to Barty’s retirement.
It’s all about you, isn’t Scott? Always finding a way to piss into your own pocket. Shame on you, you pathetic, sad man. Call the fkn election and lets get this done, already.
