Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he's seeking legal advice after it was revealed his predecessor Scott Morrison was secretly sworn in to at least three ministries. claudiafarhart Read more:
Former prime minister Scott Morrison was reportedly secretly sworn into key ministry roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.Former prime minister Scott Morrison said he has not "engaged in any day-to-day politics" since his election defeat after it was revealed he was secretly sworn in to cover extra portfolios during his tenure.
Mr Albanese will be briefed on Monday evening by senior bureaucrats as to the legal ramifications of the decision.Coalition 'undermined our democracy', should apologise for election-day asylum seeker boat saga, Labor says In a text message published by the broadcaster, Mr Morrison responded: "No, haven't seen what he [Albanese] has said.”He did not attend the first sitting week of the new parliament, instead attending a speaking engagement in Japan.Under Australia’s system of government, the executive branch is headed by the prime minister, with federal cabinet responsible for making decisions and overseeing government departments.
“It is not uncommon for Ministers to be appointed to administer departments other than their portfolio responsibility,” the spokesperson said.So far, we know of at least three portfolios over which Mr Morrison was given power. The proposal which would have allowed gas exploration some 50 kilometres off the NSW coast - from Manly to the Central Coast and Newcastle - had drawn widespread community opposition.
But the appointment of two ministers for these portfolios, and the secret nature of the appointments, have raised questions among legal experts.