Politics

Firefighter Who Told The PM To ‘Get Fucked’ Says He Was Sacked By The RFS

"If only Paul Parker had stopped fighting fires and fucked off to Hawaii during a national crisis, he'd have been okay!"

by Rachael Conaghan  17 February 2020
scott morrison Paul Parker Nelligen Firefighter

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The firefighter who iconically told Scott Morrison to get fucked on television now says he was sacked from his volunteer role after his rant went viral.

Paul Parker had been fighting fires for days when he stopped his truck besides a TV crew, leaned out the window and yelled “tell the Prime Minister to go and get fucked, from Nelligen”.

Last night he told The Project that he was being stood down from the RFS because of his comments.

“I didn’t know you could be sacked from a volunteer organisation, but apparently you can,” Paul said.

This morning the RFS denied his claims, saying he had not been dismissed and was still a member.

Paul’s rant came during the peak of the bushfire crisis and perfectly summed up the rage and despair felt by many Australians while our country burned (and our prime minister holidayed in Hawaii).

“We really enjoy doing this shit, fuckhead,” Paul yelled, like an absolute legend who gives absolute zero fucks.

At the time NSW RFS told media Paul had been asked to step aside due to exhaustion, but would be welcomed back.

People were furious at the thought of the volunteer firefighter being disciplined for summing up what a lot of other people were thinking, especially since he was clearly exhausted and emotional after days battling blazes.

People have been lending their support in the most Australian way possible — by making sure he never has to pay for another beer. At Paul’s local pub, the Steampacket Hotel, people have been donating money towards a beer tab which has so far raised over $500.

Others are also showing their support under #IStandWithFiremanPaul.

If you want to rewatch the original clip in all its glory, here it is.