'We will see what we can do': Prime Minister Scott Morrison responds to Edgeworth Tavern confrontation

As the nation anticipated a federal election date announcement, Mr Morrison visited the Hunter for a tour of Nupress manufacturing firm in Cardiff followed by dinner at Edgeworth Tavern.

While many patrons at the pub welcomed Mr Morrison's surprise visit, one man took the opportunity to air his grievances in a confrontation with the PM.

"Ray had some pretty specific issues about compensation payments he had from a work claim that was going through iCare and how that interacted with how his pension worked," the Prime Minister said on Triple M Thursday morning.

"He also had some immigration issues with his partner and I know these issues can be very vexing and often very complicated and so I can understand his frustration.

"He came along and was clearly very upset about it and I understand he has been wrestling with these issues for some time."

In a public clash with Mr Morrison at the tavern, littered with expletives, Ray called the PM out on "broken promises".

"This is what you said when you got elected last time. We've got to help all those people that have worked all their lives, paid their taxes and those that have a go, get a go," Ray said to the Prime Minister.

"Well I've had a go mate. I've worked all my life and paid my taxes.

"You know another promise you made. You were going to have an integrity commission.

"You better f------g do something. I'm sick of your b------t."

Trying to understand the man's concerns, Mr Morrison said during the conversation "I've got one of my staff members here, they will take your details and find out the details of your case".

The PM said on Thursday he was pleased to listen to the man's concerns and that these types of interactions are why he likes "getting out and about".

"When you meet people they have very specific problems and they feel very strong about them. My job is to listen respectfully and to do what we can," he said.

"So we got some paperwork from Ray. It's a difficult issue but we will see what we can do."

After witnessing the confrontation, Simon Pietraszek - whose 4-year-old daughter Charlotte met the Prime Minister on Wednesday night - said there's a "time and a place".

"It's understandable but I don't know if it's the right way to approach things," Mr Pietraszek said.

"You can have your say and move on but in a family atmosphere it's probably not the best."

Praising the PM's pandemic leadership, Edgeworth Tavern manager Corinne Gale said she hadn't been told about Mr Morrison's visit until he turned up on the night - adding the locals were "loving it".

"It's definitely unexpected to have them out at Edgy," Ms Gale said.

"I think he's doing the best he can. That's all you can do."

However, there were mixed opinions regarding Mr Morrison's character at the pub. While 31-year-old Luke Rossington said it was good to see the Prime Minister in Edgeworth and "out of his comfort zone", he finds Mr Morrison "untrustworthy".

"I've never liked the bloke," Mr Rossington said.

"We've had a lot of ups and downs with natural disasters and stuff and he's just never been there."

IN THE NEWS:

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: