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.

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.

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Scott Morrison would not give a straight answer. Picture: Jason Edwards

“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.

Scott Morrison and Attorney General Michaelia Cash on board one of the two new Evolved Cape Class patrol boats. Picture: James Brickwood

Mr Morrison was campaigning in Fremantle. Picture: Jason Edwards

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.