The Australian government will launch an inquiry aimed at preventing a Prime Minister from ever again secretly amassing new ministerial powers, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on August 23. Reportedly, Albanese’s predecessor Scott Morrison secretly appointed himself to five ministerial roles between March 2020 and May 2021. It was usually without the knowledge of the original minister.
Morrison had been “validly appointed” in the duplicated portfolios: Solicitor-General
Solicitor-General Stephen Donaghue issued legal advice after the revelations. He stated that Morrison had been “validly appointed” in the duplicated portfolios. But to be appointed without notifying ministers, the parliament or the public was not “consistent with the principle of responsible government,” Donaghue said in his 29-page legal opinion, which Albanese released publicly Tuesday.
Morrison’s extraordinary power grab is seen as part of a wider trend in Australian politics. It is most likely to concentrate power within a leader’s office at the expense of the British Westminster tradition of delegating responsibilities among ministers.
Albanese said his Cabinet had been briefed on Donaghue’s advice on Tuesday. He agreed to set up an inquiry into how to avoid a repeat of Morrison’s behavior. Albanese replaced Morrison at May elections.
What’s their next move?
Albanese’s office would immediately discuss it with the staff of Governor-General David Hurley. He represents Queen Elizabeth II, Australia’s head of state. They have a plan to publish all future ministerial appointments.
Such publishing could be enshrined in law to ensure it was “not dependent upon the goodwill of the government of the day,” Albanese said.
“What we’re dealing with here wasn’t envisaged. I don’t think anyone in this room, certainly, no one in the current government, sat around and said: ‘I wonder if Scott Morrison has been put in charge of the Department of Industry Science, the Department of Home Affairs, or whether he’s made himself Treasurer?”Albanese told reporters
I did the best I could to protect Australia: Morrison
Morrison said on Tuesday he acted as he did as prime minister with the “best of intentions to do all I could to protect Australia in the face of multiple crises.
“I accept that many Australians will not agree with, accept or understand all the decisions I made during those difficult times,” Morrison said in a statement.