Scott Morrison joins global speaking group for post-prime ministership engagements

Scott Morrison has unveiled his new gig as a “global thought leader” as the former PM prepares to rake in the cash following May’s election defeat.

Scott Morrison has signed with a talent agency that charges organisations up to $100,000 for speaking engagements with “global thought leaders”.

The former Prime Minister has joined US-based Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) to exclusively facilitate his global speaking engagements, the company announced on Friday.

“After extensive research and due diligence, I am excited to be joining Worldwide Speakers Group who will help facilitate my growing relationships within the private sector,” Mr Morrison said in a press release.

“WWSG’s roster of distinguished thought leaders, their truly global customer base, and personal attention have already made our relationship special. I could not be prouder to join Bob Thomas, Dan Sims, and the entire WWSG team for my next chapter.”

The former PM’s bio on the WWSG website describes him as “the true definition of a leader with a 360-degree worldview”.

“During his tenure, Morrison was tasked with several difficulties that required unique and innovative solutions,” it reads.

“From managing the public safety of Australians during the pandemic to mitigating an economic crisis, controlling natural disasters, and leading the country while others were at war — Prime Minister Morrison led Australia with his particular brand of calm decisiveness and rationale. A globalisation mastermind, Morrison lends his boundless influence and experience to audiences around the world.”

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Scott Morrison, ‘the true definition of a leader’. Picture: WWSG

Mr Morrison can be booked for speeches on topics including “The Future of Globalism”, “Covid-19: Lessons from The Great Disruption”, “Navigating the Indo-Pacific”, “The Net Zero Global Emissions Economy” and “Faith, Religion and Technology in Liberal Democracies”.

If asked to give his “Future of Globalism” speech, Mr Morrison can expound on “threats to the rules-based international order, the role of UN and other multilateral institutions, the arc of autocracy versus liberal democracy, the security of supply chains, the digital economy, resources and commodities, global trade, and digital trade”.

In July, Mr Morrison sang a slightly different tune during a sermon at Margaret Court’s church, Victory Life Centre in Perth, where he said he and his fellow worshippers “don’t trust in governments” and “don’t trust in the United Nations”.

The WWSG page says to “inquire for details” on Mr Morrison’s fee range. An online form to check his availability asks the submitter to list their “speaker budget”, ranging from under $US15,000 ($24,000) up to $US60,000-plus ($96,250).

WWSG did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Mr Morrison’s standard speaking fee or any upcoming bookings.

The press release noted Mr Morrison joins “several other high-profile thought leaders” including former US Vice President Mike Pence, former Trump chief of staff General John Kelly, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, CNN medical expert Sanjay Gupta, former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, photographer Annie Leibovitz, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, former CDC director Dr Robert Redfield, and former White House coronavirus response co-ordinator Dr Deborah Birx.

The former PM is hitting the speaking circuit. Picture: Martin Ollman/NCA NewsWire

“Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been a respected leader in Australia, throughout the APAC region and around the world,” WWSG principal Dan Sims said in a statement.

“Known for providing measured geopolitical leadership and aggressively working toward a net zero global emissions economy, Prime Minister Morrison’s experiences and insights will be critical for business leaders on six continents. Further, Prime Minister Morrison is a man of strong faith and will actively seek opportunities to serve the global community. Worldwide Speakers Group is honoured to represent Prime Minister Morrison for his speaking activities, and we look forward to making him available to our customers around the world.”

Earlier this year, Mr Morrison confirmed he had begun accepting cash payments and free business class flights for speaking gigs in his post-prime ministerial life.

Mr Morrison updated his financial interest register to parliament in August, revealing he was paid an undisclosed cash amount and given free business class flights to Tokyo and luxury accommodation when he skipped the first week of parliament in July.

It was subsequently revealed his “privately funded” trip to Tokyo would cost taxpayers thousands of dollars because a team of AFP close personal protection officers travelled with the former PM and wife Jenny to Japan.

At the time, it was speculated that he may have been paid up to $50,000 for the speaking gig at a conference with links to a Japanese billionaire, on top of his $211,250 salary as Australia’s best-known backbencher.

Mr Morrison was turfed out at the May election which saw the Coalition lose 19 seats, with Labor under Anthony Albanese picking up seven to form a majority government for the first time since 2007.

— with Samantha Maiden