Scott Morrison flags three dates for federal election

The PM put forward May 11, 18 and 25 as possible poll dates in a Coalition party room meeting, but hasn’t made up his mind.

PM Scott Morrison. Picture Kym Smith

Scott Morrison has flagged May 11, 18 and 25 as possible federal election dates in a Coalition party room meeting, telling his MPs he had not made up his mind.

Liberal and Nationals MPs are nervous about potentially living through Senate estimates next week if the election is not called this weekend, warning it could create havoc for the government so close to polling day.

The Prime Minister said that after a 7pm pre-budget meeting tonight, the Coalition would not meet again until after the election.

This confirms parliament definitely won’t sit on the week of April 15.

Former deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop also spoke in the party room meeting, talking up her legacy across various portfolios including foreign affairs. She wished the government luck as she bows out of federal politics.

One source in the room said Ms Bishop told colleagues this election had a feel of 2007 about it, when the Howard government lost to Kevin Rudd.

Another source said the high-profile backbencher noted former treasurer Peter Costello stood up in 2006 in the same room and spoke of the hard work he and John Howard had done to restore the budget.

But Mr Rudd was elected and it only took Labor two years to undo the Coalition’s budget management.

The source described Ms Bishop’s spiel as a warning of what could come under a Labor government.