The awkward moment a firefighter who reportedly lost his house in a deadly fire refusing to shake hands with Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has been caught on camera.
The incident occurred during Mr Morrison’s visit to the decimated town of Cobargo in the state of New South Wales where fires killed local father and son Robert and Patrick Salway.
Angry residents in the town lashed out at the Prime Minister during his visit saying he was “not welcome” and a video has since emerged of a firefighter refusing to shake his hand.
The video, tweeted by ABC journalist Sophie McNeill, shows Mr Morrison walking up to an unidentified fireman who was taking a break and attempting to shake his hand.
But the man responded by looking at the PM’s outstretched hand and shaking his head.
He can be heard saying: “I don’t really want to shake your hand.”
Mr Morrison then leans down and grabs hold of the man’s hand and the firefighter pulls it away.
The PM is seen patting the firefighter on the shoulder and turning to walk away.
He then turns to a man who is drinking tea and asks: “time for a cuppa?” while the firefighter gets up and walks off camera.
Another clip posted by ABC journalist Siobhan Heanue, shows Mr Morrison speaking to a fire official shortly after the incident, saying: “Tell that fella I’m really sorry, I’m sure he’s just tired.”
The firefighter responds: “No, no, he’s lost a house.”
The moment came as furious locals told Mr Morrison to “p*** off” and also refused to shake his hand.
Mr Morrison was forced to cut short his visit to the town after the reaction.
Since the start of the fire season in September, 18 people have been killed in Victoria and New South Wales.
After this week alone, more than 1,200 homes have been lost and 17 people are missing.
