The former PM has defended his decisions to take on multiple portfolios, saying they were taken during an extremely challenging period.
Federal cabinet will decide next week whether to censure former prime minister Scott Morrison over his five secret ministries afterThe review by Bell was ordered by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after it was
Cabinet will discuss Bell’s report next week, including draft legislation to implement the former judge’s six recommendations and whether to censure or reprimand Morrison. The environment minister has wide-ranging powers to approve major project developments and can override departmental advice relating to endangered species. According to the Bell report, Morrison wanted authority over the portfolio so he could administer the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
“The question here is, as well, what was the culture that allowed this to thrive? How is it that Scott Morrison had the confidence to be able to appoint himself to six positions and consider even more appointments, at least one further appointment potentially?The inquiry’s six recommendations to improve transparency and accountability include:Publishing a record of the responsibilities of all ministers in an acting role for two weeks or more.
Morrison pointed out the appointments had been valid and lawful, he had not issued instructions not to publish his additional appointments and that he had not acted as a co-minister “except in the specific case of the PEP11 [an offshore petroleum exploration permit] decision and not otherwise for that department”.
She also notes that the fact Morrison took up the ministries without intending to administer the relevant departments “might be thought to raise a flag for the secretary of PM&C”.
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