The final crisis for Latham 's leadership erupted in the aftermath of the December 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami . With both Latham and his deputy leader , Jenny Macklin , on leave , the acting opposition leader , Senator Chris Evans , issued statements in the aftermath of the tsunami . Latham was criticised for not issuing a statement as leader personally , particularly at a time when John Howard expressed national sympathy over the disaster , pledged $ 1 billion in loans to Indonesia and declared a national day of mourning . Latham rejected the criticism of his non-appearance after the tragedy , saying " none of my verbiage could make any practical difference – bring back the dead , reverse the waves , organise the relief effort " . Macklin issued a statement on the disaster on 30 December before also choosing to take leave
December 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
Mark Latham