Neil Breen has defended the Prime Minister after a debate answer captured audience attention for the wrong reasons. 

An audience member at the first leaders’ debate last night told Scott Morrison she has a four-year-old son diagnosed with autism.

In response, Mr Morrison said he and his wife Jenny “have been blessed”.

“We’ve got two children who haven’t had to go through that.”

It’s led a number of onlookers, including Bill Shorten, to accuse Mr Morrison of implying autistic children aren’t a blessing.

“It doesn’t mean because you think you’re blessed and you’re lucky that your three children are healthy, that doesn’t mean you can’t feel empathy for people whose children aren’t,” Neil said.

“For the Prime Minister to use that one word in an hour-long debate, he’s going to get hung for it today.”

Press PLAY below to hear the Scott Morrison’s answer 

Sofie Formica told Neil Breen she could appreciate why parents have responded critically.

“People who find themselves in a situation where they may have a child with a disability are also saying they’re blessed,” she said.

“[But] I do think that we can be turning it a little bit into more than it needs to be…”

Press PLAY below to hear Neil Breen and Sofie Formica weigh in

Image: Nine News