‘It has been an honour’: Scott Morrison to resign from politics

Former prime minister Scott Morrison will resign from politics to take a job in the corporate world when parliament returns in the first week of February.

Morrison, who entered parliament as the member for the southern Sydney seat of Cook in 2007 and was prime minister for almost four years, on Tuesday described his time in politics as a great honour and paid tribute to his family, constituents and political allies, including former treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison says now is the time to move on.Credit: Rhett Wyman

“I have decided to leave parliament at the end of February to take on new challenges in the global corporate sector and spend more time with my family,” Morrison said in one of two lengthy written statements released on Tuesday afternoon.

“After having served in the parliament for more than 16 years, including almost four years as prime minister during a very challenging time for our country, now is the time to move on and enable a new member to be elected who can bring fresh energy and a long-term commitment to serving our local community in this role.”

Morrison said he would take up advisory roles and positions on private boards, focused on the United States and Indo-Pacific, drawing on his political experience and networks through two major security networks: AUKUS and the Quad.

This masthead has previously reported his interest in working in the defence sector.

“I am extremely grateful to my family, friends, local community and local party members and supporters in Cook for their incredible support during this time, that has enabled me to serve my country at the highest level and make Australia a stronger, more secure and more prosperous country,” he said.

Morrison’s resignation had been widely expected following the Coalition’s shattering 2022 election loss, in which the Liberals lost 18 seats to Labor, the Greens and teal independents.

As well as Frydenberg, who lost his Kooyong seat in the 2022 election, Morrison thanked his former deputy prime ministers, Nationals MPs Michael McCormack and Barnaby Joyce.

“I also want to wish [Opposition Leader] Peter Dutton and his team all the very best and congratulate him on the great job he has done leading our party and the Coalition since the last election,” he said.

Morrison’s departure will trigger another federal byelection early in the year, with a crucial contest in the Melbourne electorate of Dunkley already set for March 2 following the death of Labor MP Peta Murphy in December.

He said by giving advanced notice of his intention to leave parliament at the end of February, the Liberals would have “ample time to select a great new candidate who I know will do what’s best for our community and bring fresh energy and commitment to the job”.

“I hope to see, and invite, a strong field of candidates to bring their experience, passion and dedication to our community, to the job. I look forward to supporting that successful candidate in their local campaign,” he said.

Liberal sources, who were not authorised to speak publicly, said Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce planned to nominate for preselection in Cook, with former Bennelong candidate Simon Kennedy and party member Alex Cooke other potential candidates.

Morrison, a Pentecostal Christian who frequently spoke of his love for the Cronulla Sharks, said he was looking forward to being more active in his church, free from the constraints of politics.

He signed off on a Facebook statement about his departure by affirming his commitment to his faith and the rugby league club in life after parliament.

“I now look forward to continue to enjoying local life here in the Shire and my church community at Horizon with my family and friends, and as always #upupcronulla,” he said.

Dutton congratulated Morrison on his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, but praised the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom as his “standout achievement”.

“But on the announcement of his retirement today – and on behalf of the Coalition – I want to thank Scott Morrison for his service to our nation, for his dedication to the Liberal Party, and for his personal friendship,” Dutton said.

Morrison entered cabinet as immigration minister in 2013 where he was responsible for Operation Sovereign Borders, which included the re-introduction of temporary protection visas and the turning back of asylum seeker boats.

He was promoted to social services minister in late 2014 and then treasurer in 2015, following the Liberal party room’s vote to dump Tony Abbott as leader for Malcolm Turnbull.

After Dutton unsuccessfully challenged Turnbull for the leadership of the Liberal Party in August 2018, Morrison defeated both Dutton and Julie Bishop in a second leadership ballot to become leader and prime minister.

Morrison won a second term after leading the Coalition to what was seen as an upset victory in the 2019 election before his decision to take a holiday to Hawaii during the 2019-20 bushfire season was roundly criticised.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrison created a national cabinet and Australia was praised for its initial response in suppressing the virus.

He was later condemned for his government’s slow vaccine rollout and a shortage of rapid antigen tests after Australia began to re-open state and international borders from late 2021.

Following the Coalition’s 2022 federal election defeat, it was revealed that Morrison had secretly appointed himself to several ministerial positions, including health and finance, while prime minister.

He was censured for his behaviour after an inquiry into the multiple ministries affair by former High Court justice Virginia Bell.

Australia’s relationship with its biggest trading partner, China, significantly deteriorated during Morrison’s prime ministership.

But his government was credited with helping to enhance other diplomatic groupings in response to Beijing’s growing assertiveness, including the Quad partnership with India, Japan and the US.

The Morrison government also made the pivotal decision to tear up a $90 billion submarine agreement with France, and instead develop nuclear-powered submarines with the US and Britain.

The former prime minister listed tax cuts for individuals and businesses, leading Australia through the pandemic, and delivering AUKUS – “the single most significant defence agreement in 70 years” – among his achievements.

“There will be time later to speak of these achievements and thank everyone involved, including my parliamentary colleagues, when I leave the parliament. Today, my priority is to express my deep gratitude to my community and my family for supporting me to do this job for as long as I have. It has been an honour,” he said.

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