Angus Taylor says Morrison’s apology for ministerial power grab ‘completely unnecessary’

A senior Coalition MP has offered a surprise response to ex-PM Scott Morrison’s secret ministerial self-appointments.

Senior Coalition MP Angus Taylor says it was “completely unnecessary” for Scott Morrison to apologise for his secret ministerial power grab.

The former prime minister had himself appointed to five of his colleagues’ ministries between March 2020 and May 2021 without most of their knowledge.

Mr Morrison took control of the health; finance; treasury; industry, science, energy and resources; and home affairs departments during the pandemic.

Then energy minister Mr Taylor was unaware Mr Morrison had taken control of his portfolio on April 15, 2021.

However, Mr Taylor said he “didn’t make too much of it” when the story broke this week.

“I had a very good working relationship with the prime minister,” he told 2GB Radio.

“I mean, he could override in many different ways if he didn’t like what I was doing. He never did that, I should say.”

Opposition treasury spokesman Angus Taylor says Scott Morrison doesn’t need to apologise. Picture: Martin Ollman / Getty Images

Mr Taylor said there were more important issues facing Australians, such as inflation and rising interest rates.

“As I say, my working relationship with him, as he knows, was very positive. And there’s no need for him to apologise to me.”

Mr Morrison gave an hour-long press conference on Wednesday where he defended his actions.

He apologised for “any offence” he caused his ministerial colleagues.

“Of course, I regret that offence and I apologise for that offence, but I am pleased that through the course of the pandemic, my confidence was in them to keep just doing their job,” he said.

Many of those colleagues have criticised Mr Morrison, particularly for his decision to keep his actions secret.

Former home affairs minister Karen Andrews has called on Mr Morrison to quit parliament over what she said was “disgraceful behaviour”.

Ms Andrews was blindsided when she found out this week that the former prime minister had taken control of her portfolio on May 6, 2021.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has defended his actions but apologised for any offence caused. Picture: Steven Saphore / AFP

Mr Morrison is reported to have apologised to Ms Andrews on Thursday after she initially said she hadn’t heard from him amid the unfolding scandal.

Senior nationals MPs including leader David Littleproud and Senate leader Bridget McKenzie have said Mr Morrison breached the Coalition agreement and have criticised him for keeping the junior Coalition partner in the dark.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has said Mr Morrison made the wrong call, but he won’t ask him to resign as the member for Cook.

Anthony Albanese has accused his predecessor of trashing democracy.

The Prime Minister said earlier this week the appointments were made by the Governor-General on the advice of Mr Morrison under Section 64 of the Constitution.

Mr Albanese said he had sought advice from the Solicitor-General on the legality of Mr Morrison’s actions, which will be available on Monday.

Originally published as Angus Taylor says Morrison’s apology for ministerial power grab ‘completely unnecessary’