The Australian bushfire crisis is sparking more political turmoil for Prime Minister Scott Morrison who is now under fire by a high-ranking member of his own party.
Following widespread criticism of his leadership during the disaster, Morrison travelled to the New South Wales (NSW) town of Cobargo on Thursday afternoon to meet with those affected by the devastating infernos.
The settlement is within the South Coast region where tourists are being ordered to evacuate from ahead of hellish conditions on Saturday. Two people have died near the town and many buildings have burnt down.
Morrison wasn't warmly received when he arrived, viciously abused by residents who said he was failing to support their community. Videos have also emerged of people not wanting to shake his hand.
One of those adding his voice to the condemnation of the Prime Minister is one of Morrison's fellow Liberal Party members.
Andrew Constance is the NSW Transport Minister within the state's Liberal-led Government. He's also the MP for the state electorate of Bega, under which Corbago falls.
Speaking to 7News' Sunrise programme, Constance said he didn't even know the Prime Minister was in his area, let alone get a phone call from him.
"To be honest with you, the locals probably gave him the welcome that he probably deserved," he said.
"I'd say this to the Prime Minister today: 'The nation wants you to open up the cheque books, help people rebuild their lives'."
Constance said he was on Morrison's "side of politics", but added it was a tough situation and people needed to do more to support each other.
"The feeling is bloody raw and it is raw for a reason... It was just hell on earth."
Yelling at the Prime Minister on Thursday, one man said the Liberals shouldn't be looking for votes in the town.
"You won't be getting any votes around here buddy. You're an idiot. What about the people round here? Nobody. No liberal votes. You're out, son. You are out. Goodnight Vienna. Bye. Go on, piss off."
As the heckling got worse, Morrison hastily walked towards a car and made a getaway. Despite the bruising insults, the Prime Minister said he wanted to give the town "every support".
Speaking on Friday to radio station 3AW, Morrison said he understood the emotion and that people are upset.
"Whether they are angry with me or they are angry about the situation, all I know is they are hurting and it’s my job to be there to try and offer some comfort and support," he said.
"That's my job. I don’t take these things personally, why would I? I know that people are hurting, I know that they're raw and I know what our job is."
Morrison said he hadn't seen Constance's comments.
The fires have become a political nightmare for the Prime Minister, who has been labelled incompetent and out-of-touch after firstly holidaying in Hawaii in December as his country burnt, and then on New Year's Day taking photos with cricketers.
He apologised for the Hawaii trip and returned, but continues to be dogged by questions of whether his Government is doing enough to tackle climate change and its effect on creating the dry conditions fires thrive in.
More than 120 fires burn across New South Wales while around 45 are ripping across Victoria. It's believed 18 people have been killed in the fires. There are 28 missing in Victoria.
