Prime Minister Scott Morrison weighs in on integrity crisis as he angles for Qld green vote

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has weighed in on the Palaszczuk government’s integrity crisis as he makes a pitch for Queensland’s green vote, unveiling a koala recovery plan.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has weighed into the Palaszczuk government’s integrity crisis revealing there is a code between the Federal government and public servants to “expect and respect.”

On Thursday, terminated state archivist Mike Summerell delivered a damning assessment of inner workings of the Palaszczuk government, claiming it is driven by a culture in which public servants protect the government from embarrassment and MPs have no interest in transparency.

But Mr Morrison said he is “very grateful” for the public service he works with and has always had a “very respectful relationship”.

Robert Irwin and Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Australia Zoo on Saturday. Photo: Annette Dew

“We have a bit of a code between us and the public service to expect and respect - I expect strong performance and we respect their professionalism and their integrity to do their job,” he said.

“The heads of our public service and particularly the minister for the public service Ben Morton this is a very strong focus of his and the federal government’s public servants have done an extraordinary job throughout the course of the pandemic.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has faced increased scrutiny over the government’s integrity. Photo: Dan Peled

“Our public servants have done a terrific job for the commonwealth government and we rely on them heavily but we also expect those high standards which are imposed on politicians as well.”

The comments came as Mr Morrison visited Australia Zoo’s wildlife hospital on Saturday where he announced a further $50m of funding for a koala program, just 24-hours after it was revealed a re-elected coalition would pour $1bn into Great Barrier Reef conservation.

He was grilled over his renewed interest in wildlife conservation and whether he was “worried” about losing the seats of Leichhardt, Brisbane and Ryan to the Greens.

Despite the looming election and concerns of a swing vote in Queensland, Mr Morrison said these measures were brought together ahead of the mid-year budget.

The Commonwealth government’s gross debt will be around $963 billion by June 30 but Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes Australia’s economy is “set up well”.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison with 4-year-old Lilly the koala at Australia Zoo. Photo: Annette Dew

“We are making the announcements that went into our budget - really important issues that we were working through last year like the reef management program.”

“The reef management program was a big one - the reef 2052 plan we are committed to and we have backed that up with $1B of funding.”

Mr Morrison said the only way to reduce debt in “an economy like this” is to “grow your economy”.

“You know what pays for that (debt)?...a strong economy,” he said.

“That’s why having a strong economy over the next five years, over the next 12 months, and over the next three years is so important.”

“The demands on the government, on essential services don’t go away – whether it’s the NDIS, aged care or caring for our country like the announcement we have here (koala program).”

“If you want to have the sort of environment programs that we are investing, if you want to have an NDIS that’s fully funded – if you want to support aged care – then what you need is a strong economy – that is what unlocks the ability to do all of those things as a government.”

Mr Morrison said the coalition has got a “very strong record on the economy.”

“Yes we have had one of the lowest death rates from Covid in the world and particularly Omicron but we also have one of the strongest advanced economies in the world coming through the pandemic and that sets us up,” he said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces $50 million in new funding and a new National Koala Recovery Plan. Picture: Adam Taylor

“But you can’t take it for granted – if you have policies that undermine that growth and take you in a different direction with people who can’t manage money then you can find yourself in a lot of strife,

“So there is a lot at stake but Australia is set up well with our economy to succeed.”

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin’s son Robert Irwin said the Wildlife hospital at Australia Zoo appreciated any support from the government but especially for koalas - “very specialised creatures under unprecedented threat.”

“We need to speak up for those who don’t have a voice and especially our Aussie icon,” he said.

“Our environment is suffering at the moment so any steps that we can make towards a brighter future – it’s great to see our beautiful icon species better protected.

“Our family is here to fight the good fight for many years to come.”