Liberal backbenchers defend Treasurer Scott Morrison against criticism of his performance

A GROUP of conservative backbenchers has thrown support behind the embattled Scott Morrison, following days of internal criticism of the Treasurer’s performance.

Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison speaks to the media in Sydney, Monday, March 21, 2016. Morrison says he'll be ready and is looking forward to the May 3 budget, which has been brought forward a week ahead of schedule. (AAP Image/Carol Cho) NO ARCHIVING

A GROUP of conservative backbenchers has thrown support behind the embattled Scott Morrison, following days of internal criticism of the Treasurer’s performance.

Five Liberal backbenchers — Michael Sukkar, Andrew Hastie, Andrew Nikolic, Tony Pasin and Zed Seselja — publicly defended Mr Morrison, saying he was consultative, performing well and should be left alone to do his job.

“Scott has been consulting in an exemplary way with the backbench on a range of economic and tax issues. In all my dealings it seems clear to me he has a very close and strong relationship with the Prime Minister,’’ the Victorian-based Mr Sukkar said.

“It’s fair to say, given his work in previous portfolios, he’s going to be an exceptional Treasurer.’’

Mr Pasin, from South Australia, said Mr Morrison had been “incredibly consultative’’ and was working well with the backbench.

“He will make a fantastic long-term Treasurer and will resolve the budgetary issues that we have,’’ Mr Pasin said.

The support comes at a time when Mr Morrison is factionally isolated after losing significant political skin in the leadership coup by Malcolm Turnbull.

South Australian backbencher Tony Pasin, right, is one of the Liberal MPs defending Mr Morrison. Picture: Lechelle Earl

Victorian MP Michael Sukkar says Mr Morrison has a strong relationship with the PM. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Although Mr Morrison voted for Tony Abbott, he was widely seen as not actively supporting him, and was also criticised internally when he revealed that Mr Abbott had offered at the last minute to replace Joe Hockey and give him the job of treasurer if he voted for him.

In recent days, colleagues have been briefing the media that he was not working well with Mr Turnbull, had mishandled the Government’s consideration of the GST rise and changes to negative gearing, and Mr Turnbull confirmed Mr Morrison was not in in “the close circle’’ who had decided last Sunday night to bring Parliament back early.

Senator Seselja, who chairs the backbench economic and finance committee, said he had “a lot of respect for Scott’s work in immigration, social services and treasury.’’

“Some of the criticisms being made are very wide of the mark,’’ he said.

“He’s clearly working on a Budget plan, there’s clearly a strong relationship between him and the Prime Minister and he is working towards a critical Budget and we are all confident it will be a very good one.’’

Mr Hastie, from WA, said Mr Morrison was “a good bloke doing a good job — people should give him some space.’’

“Scott has the toughest political job in the country right now.

“He is doing a great job and the media in particular need to have a little patience.’’

Mr Nikolic, from Tasmania, said there had been “a fair bit of revisionism’’ in the debate about Mr Morrison’s performance.

“I see Malcolm and Scott all the time. Scott has the hardest job in politics right now remedying the economic vandalism of the Labor/Green years,’’ he said.

The tensions surrounding Mr Morrison were on display yesterday when Liberal Senator James McGrath, a tactician and close Turnbull supporter, told Sky that: “I think with Scott we’ve got to wait until the Budget comes down in May to really see the strength behind Scott’s convictions and his ability as a politician.’’

Some MPs viewed that as a veiled threat, and Senator McGrath took to Twitter shortly afterwards to clarify, saying: “Just to be clear ... I am a massive fan of @ScottMorrisonMP and the Budget will further show his strength as Treasurer #mcgrathisms.’’