The previous prime minister has been requested whose thought it was for him to tackle the 5 portfolios.
As beforehand reported, a number of senior ministers – together with then-deputy prime minister Michael McCormack –have mentioned they had been solely conscious of the provisions in well being.
Former prime minister Scott Morrison talking concerning the emergency powers he quietly took on in 2020 and 2021. Credit score:Nick Moir
Right here’s Scott Morrison’s reply to that query:
I believed it was a prudent, accountable motion in the midst of a disaster to have these emergency powers in place to make sure that I may train the expectations of my obligations, which – I remind you – was put to me every day by members of the media, by the opposition, continually telling me that I used to be answerable for every part. Even the actions of state premiers.
The non-exercise of those powers proves that they had been dealt with responsibly, that they weren’t abused.
I think about that individuals wanting into this are saying, ‘So, what’s the wash up of all of this? Did the prime minister use any powers that had been illegal?’ No. ‘Did the prime minister train any powers that intervened with the operations of any minister?’ No, besides bar the one circumstance which we’ve been very clear about [regarding the gas exploration licence].
You mightn’t perceive it since you haven’t been a major minister in the midst of the worst disaster because the Second World Warfare.
Pressed on why he moved after greater than a yr so as to add powers over Treasury and House Affairs, Morrison mentioned there have been “two very vital issues happening along with managing the pandemic” in Could 2021.
He went on to quote placing the price range collectively (Josh Frydenberg delivered it 5 days after Morrison was secretly given administration of Treasury) and the negotiation of the AUKUS deal.
“These issues had been added to the emergency powers on an administrative foundation. They had been by no means used and, in hindsight, I believe they proved to be pointless. I overtly say that, however I can’t give you any additional rationalization.”
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Morrison mentioned he is not going to resign from parliament, arguing the portfolio saga has nothing to do with him representing his voters.
“I didn’t take these selections because the member for Prepare dinner. These points don’t relate to my function on the member for Prepare dinner.”
The previous PM has clarified that he didn’t obtain any extra cash for his additional roles.
