The solicitor-general has found that Scott Morrison was validly appointed to administer the Resources portfolio. Follow our live coverage and watch the prime minister's press conference
came to light. He then phoned ex-ministers whose portfolios he encroached on, such as Josh Frydenberg, to apologise directly.
Pressed on whether a future inquiry will examine Hurley’s conduct, Albanese did not give a direct answer, saying: But the PM added that Hurley had made it clear in his statements that he had no reason to think the appointments would not be made public. The PM went on to say that he has directed the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to work with the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General to adopt a practice of publishing any future appointments of ministers to additional departments in the government’s Commonwealth Gazette.He said this action would occur immediately and did not require further advice, but the government would consider “whether any further immediate changes are required”.
“I think one of the things we will need to consider is any future legislative changes to make sure that that is enshrined. To make sure that it is not dependent upon the goodwill of the government of the day.”Solicitor-General Stephen Donaghue has found that former prime minister Scott Morrison was validly appointed to administer the. But the fact it wasn’t made public “fundamentally undermined” the conventions of responsible government.
“Nor is there any constitutional or legislative requirement for notification of such an appointment as a condition of its validity or for the minister to subscribe to another oath or affirmation following such an appointment. Accordingly, Mr Morrison was validly appointed to administer [the industry portfolio] on April 15, 2021.”