The ABC has been slammed after its controversial comedy show Tonightly with Tom Ballard targeted new Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Christian faith.
The TV comedy program – which was recently cancelled by the ABC – is known for its funny takes on current affairs, but the latest clip has divided viewers as it attempted to link the nation’s refugee policy to Morrison’s religious beliefs.
The skit, performed on Monday night by comedians Bridie Connell and Wyatt Nixon-Lloyd, who dubbed themselves ‘The Shadow Ministers’, featured lyrics such as: “ScoMo is under the spell of Jesus’ charm, and kids are under safety watch for self-harm. If Jesus was a refugee, we’d say, ‘f*** off, we’re full’.”
Other controversial lyrics included: “We love Jesus, Jesus, but not refugee-us and to do what pleases Jesus, deny them all visas.”
https://twitter.com/tonightly/status/1034261150542614530
Viewers, however, were less than impressed, with many defending the new prime minister, who is less than a week into his term. One commentator wrote: “Would you leave the Prime Ministers’ Faith alone please..? Do we still live in a Country that believes in Freedom..?”
Another accused the ABC of ridiculing the PM’s faith, while one labelled the skit as shameful and outrageous. “No wonder the show got cancelled,” another viewer wrote.
However, others found it hilarious, with one writing: “Pure Gold. Can someone please renew this show. Please.” Another said: “This is truly brilliant!”
An ABC spokesman told the Daily Telegraph the skit did not attack Morrison’s religion but was “a satirical way of examining the relationship between such beliefs and government policies on asylum seekers”.
The Pentecostal PM, whose faith is reportedly causing some concern among Liberal MPs since he won the party’s leadership spill last Friday, recently said in his maiden speech that his “personal faith in Jesus Christ is not a political agenda”.
It comes after the ABC targeted Baby Boomers in a comedy skit, blaming the older generation for everything from destroying the economy to overcrowding social media and taking over the housing market.