ANALYSIS: Secrecy the biggest concern in Scott Morrison’s ‘shadow government’
Scott Morrison’s unprecedented move to take over several portfolios showed a lack of trust and a need for control. But they’re not the biggest concern, writes Matthew Killoran. VOTE IN OUR POLL
Opinion
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It is the almost absolute secrecy that raises the biggest concerns in the unprecedented case of Scott Morrison and the “shadow government”.
What is also telling is the number of former ministers lining up to distance themselves from it, saying they were unaware of the unprecedented arrangement or did not support it.
The arrangement was seemingly cooked up by Mr Morrison, then-Attorney-General Christian Porter and Health Minister Greg Hunt.
It initially seemed aimed at preventing too much power being invested in the Health Minister while he wielded emergency pandemic powers, particularly if he was incapacitated with Covid.
But it doesn’t explain why it was needed for Finance, or Resources, or any other portfolios Mr Morrison may have had himself sworn into without the public’s knowledge – or that of the relevant ministers.
It also shows a lack of trust in his Cabinet and a need for control.
The Governor-General correctly pointed out that it was “not uncommon” for ministers to be appointed to administer portfolios not their own and not needing a swearing-in ceremony.
It needs to happen when a minister is on leave or out of the country, for example.
But what is concerning is the secrecy.
That is the focus of the probe announced by the Albanese Government and it is understandable why.
Mathias Cormann was not only Finance Minister, but leader of the government in the Senate. The most senior member of the government in the upper house had no idea the Prime Minister had also been sworn in as Finance Minister, and reportedly only found out through an excerpt of Simon Benson and Geoff Chambers’ new book Plagued.
Mr Morrison has yet to speak out on the subject, and could do much to dispel the confusion and myth surrounding this unusual move.
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