PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has branded the students at his former university “revolting”.
Speaking at a Liberal Party fundraiser in Melbourne on Friday night, a tongue-in-cheek Mr Abbott said: “I always thought the students were revolting at my old university.”
His quip comes after Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop was mobbed at the University of Sydney before she announced an extra 1000 placements for overseas study trips under new government funding.
Mr Abbott, joined by Environment Minister Greg Hunt and Small Business Minister Bruce Billson, told the audience at Mornington Race Club that there would be more protests.
“This is but a foretaste of what is to come,” he said.
“But we must stay the course because if we are deterred, the future of our country is grim.”
Mr Abbott defended his pre-election promises saying he was determined to make hard calls.
“I don’t know if this government is going to be popular, but by God it’s going to be respected,” he said.
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor Dr Michael Spence said the comment was made in jest.
“We believe that the Prime Minister was making a joke and appreciate that he is demonstrating the same good humour that the Foreign Minister showed on Friday,” he said.
He said students had a right to protest but not to use violence.
Yesterday Education Minister Christopher Pyne called for the students to be charged with assault.
He also called on Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to join the Government in condemning the “incomprehensible” behaviour of the students, who were protesting proposed cuts to higher education funding.
“Everyone is entitled to have a view — whether they like the Government, whether they don’t like the Government; whether they like or dislike particular policies,” Mr Pyne said.
“But the behaviour of the students yesterday at Sydney University was assault.”
Entire Article And Video Here
“Everyone is entitled to have a view — whether they like the Government, whether they don’t like the Government; whether they like or dislike particular policies,” Mr Pyne said.
“But the behaviour of the students yesterday at Sydney University was assault.”
totally agree with these comments by Mr Pyne. I'm certainly not happy that my taxes foster this sort of behaviour by certain groups of students.
ogQ!(U~$(KGrHgoOKjYEjlLmS1ctBJ1K-4Uyh!~~_7.JPG?set_id=81 "i-need-a-martini"){kind=avatar}
