Former Australian prime minister to face censure over secret ministries scandal

Former Australian prime minister to face censure over secret ministries scandal

The Australian government announced on Monday that it would move a censure motion in parliament against former Prime Minister Scott Morrison for secretly appointing himself to several ministerial positions during the pandemic.

Morrison appointed himself to key portfolios, including finance and home affairs, without informing the public or existing ministers. His actions, however, were later found to be legal.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday said a motion of censure would be introduced to the Labor-controlled House of Representatives this week by either the leader of the house or the attorney general.

Albanese stated, “This wasn’t about a relationship between the former prime minister and his ministers. It’s not a personal relationship between two mates over what happened down the pub.”

He added, “This is about the accountability of our democratic system, and whether the parliament was functioning properly.”

An investigation led by former High Court judge Virginia Bell last week issued six reform recommendations after concluding that the appointments had harmed public trust in government.