“Crocodile tears”: Aussies slam Annastacia Palaszczuk
Australians have accused Annastacia Palaszczuk of crying “crocodile tears” after becoming visibly emotional during a press conference on Friday morning.
The Queensland Premier was bombarded with questions about the 26-year-old nurse from Canberra who was not allowed to attend her father’s funeral.
Addressing the situation, the politician welled up as she refuted the allegations saying she was “cold-hearted and nasty” for keeping families apart with draconian border closures, while allowing Hollywood stars and AFL players into the state.
But not many people were convinced, calling her a “paid actress” and that her “crocodile tears” were too late.
One Facebook user said: “I bet she didn’t cry before there was a public backlash,” and another said: “Right now I’m ashamed to be a Queenslander.”
Palaszczuk was also criticised for deflecting the blame regarding the funeral incident.
The premier had said it was the chief health officer’s call, adding “I did not make this decision”.
One Twitter user wrote sarcastically: “BREAKING: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk does not run Queensland. An unelected bureaucrat does.”
Other Queenslanders defended premier Palaszczuk. “I feel for you Anna. You have a hard job. but you're doing it wonderfully,” one wrote.
“I don't agree with some of the things she has done but she has done a far better job than others... and the pressure would be insane,” another said.
With her voice cracking and tears welling up in her eyes, Palaszczuk said: “I’m human just like everyone else.
“These issues hurt me deeply. They hurt me deeply because during this pandemic I have lost loved ones as well,” she said. “I know exactly what people are going through, OK?”
“These are difficult decisions and they're heartbreaking,” she said.
She did not reveal which “loved ones” she has lost.