Scott Morrison tearful in final speech to parliament as he pays tribute to wife Jenny and his girls

Scott Morrison has choked back tears in an emotional final speech to parliament as an MP, but he also fulfilled a promise to his daughters.

Scott Morrison has marked off his exit to federal parliament with a tearful goodbye to his political opponents and a detailed tribute to popstar Taylor Swift.

Flashing a friendship bracelet that read “ScoMo” under his suit, the former prime minister addressed a half-full gallery, including his mother Marion, wife Jenny and their daughters, Abby and Lily.

“In preparing for this day, Abby and Lily suggested that I should play a type of Taylor Swift bingo. And I’m wearing the bracelet, by the way – has ‘ScoMo’ on it,” he said.

Scott Morrison was dared to include Taylor Swift references in his speech. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“And they said, by trying to work the names of every single Taylor Swift album into my remarks … Well, what’s a dad to do? Here I go.

“It is true that my political opponents have often made me see red. Often when subjected to the tortured poets who would rise to attack my reputation. In response, I always thought it important to be fearless and speak now.

“Or forever hold my silence and allow those attacks to become folklore. Ever since leaving university in 1989, this has always been my approach.

“My great consolation has always been my lover, Jen, who has always been there for me … whenever I needed her from dawn and beyond the many midnights we have shared together.”

Mr Morrison’s mother, wife and daughters were present. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

In his valedictory speech, which carried a heavy focus on his Christian ideology and a warning against a ‘rise in secularism’ in Australia, Mr Morrison reflected on his 16-year political career by acknowledging the Durawal nation of Sydney and defence personnel.

“As was my practice as prime minister, I always – when acknowledging Indigenous Australians – I would also, in the same breath, acknowledge those men and women who served Australia in our defence forces for the simple reason – that they are the providers of our freedom. And everything we have in this country, we owe to them.”

Mr Morrison also thanked his former household staff at Kirribilli and The Lodge, and his security detail, before breaking into tears as he recounted their dedication.

“I want to specially mention Travis Ford and Jen McCrae, who were terribly injured in the line of duty protecting me … in a terrible car accident in Tasmania. I will always be grateful for your sacrifice,” he said.

“When their colleagues rushed to them at the scene, their first words were – not knowing what had occurred – ‘Is the boss OK?”.

Mr Morrison will say goodbye to politics this week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

He then went on to thank his family, with multiple references to his wife, Jenny.

“I cannot imagine life without her. I love you, Jen, and always will. That is the cross you have to bear. Your love has been my stay and strength,” he said.

“You are the other half of our joined soul who, by the grace of God, brought Abby and Lily … our miracle girls, into our lives, who we celebrate and love.

“I thank Abby and Lily for their own sacrifices as they’ve grown, necessitated by having a father in public life. They are

beautiful girls in every way, as you can see, and I could not be more proud of them as a father.”

Mr Morrison read aloud scripture readings to polish off his speech. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

In a brief nod to the laundry list of controversies he faced while serving as prime minister, which included secretly appointing himself to multiple government ministries and sparking a trade war with the China, Mr Morrison said he planned to leave politics “released from any bitterness”.

“This is due to my faith in Jesus Christ, which gives me the faith to both forgive but also to be honest about my own failings and shortcomings,” he said.

He also went on to warn against what he described as growing threats within the Indo-Pacific, citing his role in the architecture of the AUKUS joint nuclear submarine deal.

Mr Morrison infamously angered Chinese officials in 2020 after calling for an independent inquiry into the origins of Covid-19.

This led China to impose a series of trade tariffs on Australian products including wine and barley, some of which are due to be lifted later this year.

“Our government stood firm against coercion of an aggressive Chinese Communist Party in Beijing, who thought we would shrink when pressed,” he said.

“Indeed, we not only stood firm, but worked with our allies and partners and those in our region who countered this threat to regional peace.”

Anthony Albanese said Mr Morrison was a ‘formidable opponent’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Anthony Albanese later described Mr Morrison as a “formidable opponent” and thanked him for his leadership during a “once-in-a-century” pandemic.

“This was an unprecedented time. It was a time of real anxiety amongst so many Australians,” the Prime Minister said.

“I don’t doubt that everyone at that time had good intentions. Not everything was perfect, but today’s not a day to dwell on that.”

In a rare emotional display, Liberal leader Peter Dutton appeared to shed a tear after paying tribute to Mr Morrison’s devotion to his family

“I wish you every success that you deserve into the future,” he said.

Following his exit from parliament this week, Mr Morrison will take up two jobs in the US private defence sector.

Originally published as Scott Morrison tearful in final speech to parliament as he pays tribute to wife Jenny and his girls