Politics

Scott Morrison cops criticism after Star Wars photoshop fail

May 04, 2019

Scott Morrison has been mocked over his party's latest social media stunt. Source: Getty

Scott Morrison has been slammed online after his social media team posted a series of Star Wars-related images about the upcoming election.

A photoshopped image of the prime minister was posted on the Liberal Party’s official Twitter account earlier today, showing Morrison dressed as Star Wars favourite Luke Skywalker, with the caption: “The economy is strong with this one.”

The post also included the hashtag #MayThe4thBeWithYou — a reference to May 4 being known as ‘Star Wars Day’.

The economy is strong with this one. #StarWarsDay #MayThe4thBeWithYou pic.twitter.com/xhR8znXVJe

— Liberal Party (@LiberalAus) May 3, 2019

Later, they also shared an image of Labor Party leader Bill Shorten pictured as Emperor Palpatine — the main antagonist of the popular franchise — with a Death Star in the background. The caption reads: “Last time they were in government, Labor delivered 6 record deficits totalling $240 billion. Australia can’t afford to go back to Labor.”

Last time they were in government, Labor delivered 6 record deficits totalling $240 billion.

Australia can’t afford to go back to Labor. #StarWarsDay #MayThe4thBeWithYou pic.twitter.com/vLDUVH8rdF

— Liberal Party (@LiberalAus) May 3, 2019

Most Twitter users were less than impressed, with many taking to social media to criticise the marketing ploy.

“This is the Prime Minister of our country. This is cheap, tacky and an absolute insult to the dignity of the office,” one commentator wrote.

Another added: “May the 18th be with you. And FYI [for your information] Morrison is a Dark Lord of the Sith, NOT a Jedi.”

And a third wrote: “When the Liberal Party doesn’t realise they are allied with The Dark Side.”

However, some saw the funny side to it, with one writing: “I think I laughed a little too hard at this one.”

Meanwhile, it comes after Shorten narrowly won the second leaders’ debate on Friday night, with 43 per cent of voters picking him compared to 41 per cent choosing Morrison. The two party leaders debated over climate change, tax and education funding in front of an audience of 109 voters in Brisbane.

Outlining the 2019-20 budget in the Lower House, Frydenberg announced a surplus of $7.1 billion, saying: “The budget is back in the black and Australia is back on track.

“For the first time in 12 years our nation is again paying our way. Australia is stronger than when we came to government six years ago.”

The treasurer announced a series of changes designed to benefit senior Australians, including “record funding” for the country’s aged care sector, vowing to inject a huge $21.6 billion into the system throughout the next year to improve safety, quality and access to care.

This funding included a $185 million investment into research in ageing and dementia, and additional funding for Home Care packages, which advocacy groups had called on the government to prioritise ahead of the announcement.

Meanwhile, Shorten delivered a lengthy Budget reply speech just days later, promising free cancer scans in a $2.3billion health pledge which he described as “the biggest change to Medicare since it was introduced”.