You’ve got to feel for Scott Morrison. First, his Sutherland Shire farewell to politics was “postponed” amid a dearth of RSVPs. Then sales of his book, Plans For Your Good, tanked. Now the former prime minister has been dealt a fresh injustice.
It was late 2022 when our friends at The Australian Financial Review relayed the news that Morrison had applied for membership of Sydney’s ultra-exclusive Australian Club. He was evidently unfazed by the bad press the club received the year before when its all-male members voted against allowing women to join. Yes, in the year 2021. AD.
Former prime minister Scott Morrison.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
PM30 was put forward for consideration by Liberal luminaries John Howard and Bruce Baird, who was ScoMo’s predecessor in the seat of Cook.
There’s been radio silence since then, and we were somewhat surprised to learn the good folk of the Australian Club have opted not to admit Morrison to their number.
Initially, CBD’s spies said in no uncertain terms the ex-PM had been rejected. The message was later finessed: his application had simply been deferred, potentially for years. Oh well – it’s not a race.
As for the reasons behind Morrison’s misfortune, apparently that whole “multiple ministries” malarkey did not help his cause.
Former prime minister John Howard was a co-sponsor of Scott Morrison’s unsuccessful bid to join the Australian Club.Credit: Wolter Peeters
When CBD contacted club secretary Michael Solomons, he reminded us: “The Australian Club has a policy that it does not comment on membership nominations.”
Indeed, the Australian Club is not known for being forthcoming, and it’s difficult to get a straight answer out of anyone. In that respect, Morrison would fit right in. He chose not to respond to our inquiries. Howard didn’t return calls and Baird declined to comment.
But it’s not like the club doors are closed to everyone. Another former PM, Tony Abbott, has gained membership, as have federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and state Liberal MP James Griffin. In fact, the last Liberal figure we can recall being denied membership was former NSW arts minister Don Harwin.
Of course, there’s another Liberal prime minister lurking in the Australian Club’s ranks: Malcolm Turnbull. He had no more insight into Morrison’s fate, either, nor an update on efforts to allow women to become members.
But a recent Australian Club inductee, who didn’t want to be identified for fear of jeopardising his place, thought the institution’s treatment of ScoMo was a bit rough. “As a former PM, that is surely a good enough track record to become a member,” he said.
You would think so.
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