Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says he is “surprised” the governor-general was willing to accept the secret appointment of Scott Morrison to multiple portfolios within his own cabinet.
Key points:
- Malcolm Turnbull says news of Scott Morrison’s secret portfolios “is one of the most appalling things I have ever heard from our federal government”.
- Turnbull says he regrets describing Indigenous voice in parliament as ‘third chamber’
- He says he now supports an indigenous voice in the parliament enshrined in the constitution
Turnbull criticized his successor and former treasurer for taking on ministerial roles, including in health, finance and resources, without telling the public or, in some cases, existing ministers.
“This is sinister stuff. This is a secret government,” he told 7.30.
“This is one of the scariest things I’ve ever heard in our federal government. I mean, the idea that a prime minister would swear to secrecy other ministries is unbelievable.”
Mr Turnbull said he was “surprised” the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet had “went along” with the appointments, which have now come to light through media reports from court documents.
But he said he was even more “surprised” that the Governor-General, David Hurley, was involved.
Mr Morrison’s secret ministries were completely different to more routine arrangements where ministers act in different capacities while a colleague is ill or on leave, Mr Turnbull said, because such arrangements were made public.
Turnbull says the idea that a prime minister would “swear in other ministries in secret is unbelievable”. (AAP Images/Lukas Coch)
“We the people have a right to know who is running our country. We need to know who is the minister of this, who is the minister of that. If indeed all these things are done in secret, this It’s not a democracy.”
In a statement this afternoon, a spokesman for the governor-general said Morrison was appointed to his additional portfolios under a “normal process”, in accordance with the constitution.
“Questions surrounding appointments of this nature are a matter for the government of the day and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet,” the statement said.
“Similarly, the decision to announce appointments to hold additional portfolios is a matter for the government of the day.”
At 7:30 a.m., he asked the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet if it had prepared documents or a briefing on appointments to the Executive Council, which is the body that advises the Governor-General.
The department did not respond directly, only confirming that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had asked it to “advise on this matter”.
Turnbull backs Voice, laments ‘third chamber’ characterization.
Former Liberal prime minister Turnbull has also thrown his weight behind the upcoming “yes” campaign for a referendum to create an indigenous body to advise parliament, enshrined in the constitution.
Turnbull said he regretted describing the proposal as a “third chamber” of parliament while he was prime minister.
“I regret using that term, because it has been misunderstood,” Turnbull said.
“I never wanted to convey the idea that it would be a third chamber like the Senate is a second chamber.”
Turnbull said he still had “reservations” about the model and stressed it would be a “huge change” to the power dynamic in Indigenous affairs, not mere symbolism.
“I think our parliamentary democracy can handle it,” he said.
He said a “yes” campaign would have been doomed while he was leader, but the momentum behind the idea now meant it was a “winnable” proposition.
“I say this with great trepidation. There is a lot of work to be done,” he said.