Scott Morrison could not recall whether he was sworn in to more ministries than health, finance and resources during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The former Prime Minister has been criticized for secretly appointing himself with ministerial powers in several portfolios which he describes as a ‘protective measure’ during the crisis.
Speaking to 2GB on Tuesday morning, Mr Morrison said he might not be under oath to take on more portfolios but could not be certain.
“There are no other portfolios that I know of, but there may be others that are done administratively,” he said.
Scott Morrison said he can’t recall whether he was sworn in to more ministries than health, finance and resources during the Covid-19 pandemic
During the interview, an online story broke that Mr Morrison was also sworn in to the Social Services category on June 28, 2021.
Fordham asked Mr Morrison about this and the former Prime Minister replied: ‘Ben, I don’t remember that but as I said there were some administrative issues.’
‘My answers to all of this are the same, we’ve dealt with incredible amounts of money… I’d be happy if there were others out there… here are the reasons. I do this to try and fulfill my responsibilities as Prime Minister . ‘
Mr Morrison’s secret moves have been revealed in a new book, Plagued, on the federal government’s handling of the pandemic.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese launched covert actions, and so did Nationalist leader David Littleproud. Even Liberal leader Peter Dutton said he was not informed.
Scott Morrison (pictured in March 2022) suffered from insomnia and often hit himself with sleeping pills to get a good night’s sleep during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic
Mr Morrison has been secretly sworn in as health minister, finance minister and resources minister during the Covid-19 pandemic in a series of unusual moves currently being investigated by the new Labor government.
In early 2020, the then prime minister decided to share power with the current health and finance ministers, Greg Hunt and Mathias Cormann, to prevent them from having too much influence over security laws and the treasury. the biosecurity of the nation during the crisis.
The plan was hatched with Approved by Attorney General Christian Porter. Mr Morrison apparently told Mr Hunt: ‘I trust you, man… but I am also sworn in as health minister.’
It has since been revealed that in April 2021, the former Prime Minister was also sworn in as resource minister to prevent Keith Pitt from approving a huge oil and gas project off the Central Coast, where members The Liberal Party faces pressure from climate activists and teal independents.
Mr Morrison said: “I sought to be the decision maker on that issue because of its importance.
‘The prime minister cannot direct the minister.’
‘Those powers do not belong to the cabinet. As Prime Minister, it is important that I am carrying out my responsibilities.
Mr Pitt was concerned only found out in December when he wanted to continue with the project but the Prime Minister killed it.
Scott Morrison secretly sworn in as health minister and finance minister during the Covid-19 pandemic
The covert moves have been criticized by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is seeking advice on whether the actions are legal.
‘This is quite extraordinary. Australians need a prime minister who is focused on the job they’re assigned to,’ he told reporters in Melbourne on Monday.
Mr Morrison told Sky News he did not wish to comment, adding: ‘I haven’t seen him say anything. Since leaving my job, I have not been involved in any day-to-day politics’.
I don’t know if it’s some Messianic complication or he thinks he’s the Australian version of Kanye
Bill Shorten on Scott Morrison
Explaining why Mr Morrison wants to share power with the health and finance ministers, the book – written by journalists for The Australian – says he feels ‘a lot of checks and balances are needed’ than before any minister could wield such power’.
The Health Minister is responsible for closing national borders and the finance minister is overseeing the largest fiscal stimulus in Australia’s history.
Powers could not be delegated to the Cabinet so Mr Morrison ‘later hatched a radical and hitherto secret plan with Porter’s approval.’
Mr Hunt was made aware of the decision and Mr Morrison, Mr Hunt and Mr Porter felt the move was protected’against any minister with absolute power. ‘
However, Mr Cormann was said to be unaware that Mr Morrison was sharing his job and Mr Pitt is said to have complained to deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce about the PM interfering in his yard.
In a statement on Monday, Governor-General David Hurley revealed he swore to Mr Morrison in several portfolios by signing an ‘administrative instrument’, meaning no public ceremony was required. .
He appointed Mr Morrison as administrator of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources on 15 April 2021.
The decision on whether to make appointments public to manage additional portfolios is up to the government today, the statement said.
The governor general said the appointment was legal under section 64 of the constitution.
During Monday’s press conference, Mr. Albanese lashed out at his predecessor.
‘Australians are kept in the dark about what the arrangement of the ministries is like. It’s completely unacceptable,’ he said.
‘There should be clear transparency. These cases should never have arisen.
“You know, we have a non-presidential system of government in this country – but what we got from Scott Morrison is the concentration of power, it’s the ministerial discretion and it’s all done appear in secret.”
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt speaks to the media during a press conference in March 2020
The book also reveals some of the Covid-19 restrictions that were discussed between Mr Morrison and state prime ministers in the early days of the national cabinet.
One idea that didn’t work out was to allow drinkers to enter the pub for two hours on a revolving system that used a wristband.
The former Prime Minister (pictured with his wife Jenny) used to wake up at 3am, head reeling over how to deal with the crisis
The former Prime Minister recalled: ‘We were talking about pubs… the idea of people being allowed in for two hours, how would you turn them in and out – with a wristband or a stamp’ .
When Gladys Berejiklian and Daniel Andrews informed the media of their March 2020 closure, the other prime ministers seemed furious that they had not been warned.
Queensland Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk and WA Premier Mark McGowan were particularly angry and Ms Berejiklian apologized for the lack of consultation, the book said.
Premier Palaszczuk also mentioned in the book a chapter on the closure of state borders.
In September 2020, Mr Morrison phoned the prime minister, begging her to allow 26-year-old Canberra nurse Sarah Caisip to attend her father’s funeral in Brisbane after he passed away while she was in quarantine. hotel glass.
Ms Caisip (pictured) was finally allowed to see her father’s coffin but was forced to wear full PPE
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) has apparently accused Scott Morrison of bullying her
Ms. Palaszczuk apparently accused him of bullying her before hanging up.
“You are bullying me,” Palaszczuk suddenly accused him, before reminding the prime minister that RU OK? The book says.
Ms. Caisip was eventually allowed to see her father’s coffin but was forced to wear full PPE and was opened by gloved government employees.
