Scott Morrison has conceded his handling of the pandemic didn’t “get everything right” as he seeks a major reset ahead of the next election.
“I understand and I acknowledge the frustration, especially with how this global pandemic has played out over this past very difficult summer,” he told the National Press Club on Tuesday.
“I want to thank Australians. You've had to put up with a lot. The fact that far worse outcomes have been experienced overseas – which we know – well, that gives some important perspective. But it doesn’t soften the blow.”
“It’s fair enough that this disappointment leads you to ask, ‘Couldn't you have done more? Couldn’t this have been avoided? After all, aren’t you responsible?’”
“I get that. For me as Prime Minister, accepting this responsibility means asking yourself and challenging yourself every single day with those same questions.
“And I can assure you I do. I haven't got everything right. And I’ll take my fair share of the criticism and the blame. It goes with the job.”
