Scott Morrison refuses to rule out deal with independents
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has refused to rule out doing a deal with independent candidates to form government, should he fail to win a majority at the election.
Federal Election
Don't miss out on the headlines from Federal Election. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has refused to rule out doing a deal with independent candidates to form government, should he fail to win a majority at the election.
During a press conference in Perth on Monday morning, Mr Morrison was asked directly whether he would seek such a deal.
A number of independent women are running against sitting Liberal MPs in traditionally Liberal seats across the country, including Wentworth, North Sydney and the Treasurer’s seat Kooyong.
“You have ruled out any deals with the Greens. If there is a hung parliament, do you rule out deals with some of these independents to stay in power?” a reporter asked today.
Mr Morrison evaded the question.
Stream more election news live & on demand with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >
“It is our intention to win majority government,” he said.
“You ruled out a deal with the Greens. Do you rule one out with the climate independents?” the reporter pressed.
“We’ll, I’m anticipating that the Liberal members in those seats will be returned, because they’re doing a great job on the ground in those seats,” said the Prime Minister, again avoiding giving a yes or no answer to a yes or no question.
“And this is a very important point that you raise, because with those independents - which it’s hard to call them, because they’re only running against Liberal members - you just don’t know what you are going to get.”
He said voting for the independents would “throw the parliament into chaos and uncertainty”.
“It’s a vote for uncertainty. It’s a vote for instability. You can’t contract your decision out to an independent candidate who doesn’t know which way they’re going to jump.”
The Prime Minister ignored interjections from other reporters trying to get a straight answer to the original question.
Mr Morrison’s press conference came during a visit to Austal Ships, where he toured docked patrol vessels.
The Prime Minister was talking up a $124 million investment in two new Evolved Cape Class boats, the idea being to support defence industry jobs and “keep our borders secure”.
He met with about ten Austral employees and apprentices, most of them women, before boarding one of the patrol vessels to tour it’s bridge.
“You’re outnumbered,” he quipped to a young male worker, Corey, before telling him the government’s halving of the fuel excise would help him save money on his trip to work.
Mr Morrison said the government’s investment in machinery not only kept the borders safe but also gave defence workers an incentive to join the navy.
He toured one boat’s in-house cafe, control room and kitchen.
Originally published as Scott Morrison refuses to rule out deal with independents