Scott Morrison becomes the first current or former prime minister to be censured
The Australian Government has censured former prime minister Scott Morrison over a string of secret ministries he swore himself into.
The motion notes Morrison undermined responsible government after he failed to inform parliament of these secret portfolios he took on.
Of course, this follows the release of a report by former High Court Judge Virginia Bell.
She found it was “unnecessary” for Morrison to appoint himself as the minister for finance and health.
The coalition did not support the motion.
Of course, Morrison remains in the parliament as the member for Cook.
We’ve also heard from current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who says the opposition just doesn’t get it.
“He owes an apology to the Australian people for the undermining of democracy, and that’s why this motion should be supported by every member of this House.”
Liberal MP Bridget Archer says she was obligated to support Labor’s censure.
“I am a Liberal. I believe in Liberal values. And our statement of values says this,” Archer said.
“‘We believe in the rule of law. Under it, there is freedom for the nation and for all men and women. Democracy depends upon self-discipline, obedience to the law and the honest administration of the law.
It’s not the first time Bridget Archer has done this.
Last year, she crossed the floor over the proposed anti-corruption commission.
The last time an MP was formally censured in federal parliament was in 2018.
