Scott Morrison “needs to explain himself” after secretly swearing himself in other portfolios

By TILEAH DOBSON

What has been seen as a disgraceful and cunning move by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, has sparked a probe by current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese into claims that Morrison swore himself in as a minister to several ministerial portfolios, which include health, finance and resources.

The story first broke out over the weekend by The Australian, who reported that Morrison secretly sworn himself as joint health minister, with the then-health minister Greg Hunt’s permission. The reason being that it was a safeguard against possible incapacitation from Covid-19 during the height of the pandemic.

However, it seems several ministers were kept in the dark about the other portfolios that Morrison had taken charge of. Governor-General David Hurley has confirmed that he secretly signed instruments that allowed Morrison control in other portfolios.

Hurley has stated that his actions were “consistent with section 64 of the constitution,” which states that the Governor-General “may appoint officers to administer such departments of State of the Commonwealth as the Governor-General in Council may establish.”

It goes on to say that “such officers shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor-General.”

It isn’t unheard of for another minister to step into a particular minister’s shoes if they’re sick, go on holiday or out of the country on business, as seen when the deputy prime minister steps in as acting prime minister.

This is recognized in section 19(4) of the Acts Interpretation Act, which says if an Act refers to a minister, the reference can include another minister who is acting on behalf of the primary minister.

This usually means if the first minister is unavailable, which presents a different scenario for Morrison who held the same powers as the ministers for health, finance and resources.

While Hunt agreed to it, the then-finance minister Matthias Cormann had not been informed that Morrison appointed himself the role to share. While he had made inquiries about the appointment, former resources minister Keith Pitt had told the ABC that he later accepted the decision.

Since the story broke out, several ministers have condemned what has been called bizarre and undemocratic moves. Albanese has stated that the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet are currently seeking legal advice from the solicitor-general.

The prime minister has commented that the revelations were “extraordinary and unprecedented.”

“Let’s be very clear. Australians knew that during the election campaign that I was running a shadow ministry. What they didn’t know was that Scott Morrison was running a shadow government,” he said.

“A shadow government that was operating in the shadows. What we have when we get sworn in as ministers is that there is some transparency there.”

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has stated that the former prime minister “needs to explain himself.”

“Why did he keep it secret? So I guess that’s the first question. My next question is was he getting paid extra money for taking on those portfolios? And I think that’s a fair question,” Lambie said during an interview with Sky News.

“The third thing is I’d like to say is geez, I’d love him to face the media today and answer some questions cause I think they need to be answered.”

Sky News has reported that Morrison has declined to comment on the explosive issue, saying that he hasn’t “engaged in any day-to-day politics” since his election loss in May.