When Scott Morrison was prime minister in 2020 and 2021, he secretly appointed himself co-treasurer, co-finance minister, co-health minister, co-resources minister and co-home affairs minister. In some cases, the ministers didn’t know, including Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

There are three reasons these self-appointments are a big deal: other prime ministers don’t seem to have done this; they suggest Morrison didn’t trust his ministers, or feel the need to consult them; it gives the Labor Party material to challenge the claim that Morrison led a well-run government.