Scott Morrison urges politicians arguing about bushfires to 'take it down a few notches'

The prime minister has urged politicians to stop arguing about the causes of bushfires.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to the media during a visit to the Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre in Canberra, Tuesday, November 12, 2019.  (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says politicians arguing about bushfires and climate change need to calm down. Source: AAP

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged all politicians to stop bickering over policies while bushfires continue to burn.

The prime minister said provocative comments made on all sides of the debate were ultimately meaningless to people losing their homes.

There are dozens of bushfires burning across NSW and Queensland, with more than 200 houses destroyed.
Sharnie Moren and her 18-month-old daughter Charlotte look on as thick smoke rises from bushfires near Coffs Harbour.
Sharnie Moren and her 18-month-old daughter Charlotte look on as thick smoke rises from bushfires near Coffs Harbour. Source: AAP
Since Saturday, the Nationals and Greens have engaged in a war of words about the link between climate change and bushfires. 

While the prime minister has dodged questions about the issue, his deputy Michael McCormack attacked "woke capital city greenies" for blaming government inaction on climate change for the bushfire emergency.  

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce further inflamed the situation on Tuesday when he suggested two victims of the bushfires "most likely" voted Green.
National backbench MP Barnaby Joyce speaks during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra.
Barnaby Joyce suggested two victims of the bushfires "most likely" voted for the Greens. Source: AAP
Mr Morrison said there would be time later to debate controversial issues, but stressed he was focused on assisting those on the ground.

The prime minister said people didn't need to hear politicians shouting at each other.

"I think it's important that at moments like this, everybody take it down a few notches," Mr Morrison said on Tuesday evening.

"What matters is people who are in need and ensuring the operational support is there for the services they need to ensure that we can address this crisis."


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