Christopher Pyne: In Pantheon of Liberal heroes, Scott Morrison’s right up there
Scott Morrison would correct anyone who referred to the “Morrison Government” - but now, after his crushing win, he’s ensured it will always be referred to as such, Christopher Pyne writes.
For the past nine months, whenever one of his colleagues in the Liberal and National Coalition in Canberra have referred to the “Morrison Government”, the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has gently corrected them and suggested they refer to the “Liberal and National Government”.
It’s a mark of the humility of the man.
Unfortunately for Scott Morrison, after his crushing win over Labor, against all the odds, with almost every pundit saying it couldn’t be done, his Government will forever be referred to as the “Morrison Government”.
He’s earnt it.
Like John Howard, Malcolm Fraser and Robert Menzies before him, he’s led his party to a historic victory and it is very much a win for him and his wife, Jenny.
In the Pantheon of Liberal heroes, Scott Morrison is right up there with them. He kept the faith, he always believed that the Liberals and Nationals could win and he has been vindicated.
I must admit, I feel for Bill Shorten. Of course, I wanted Labor to lose.
But to be Opposition Leader for six years is a seriously thankless task. Quite possibly the worst job in politics. He and his family must be gutted. I wish them well for the future, whatever that may bring.
It’s a measure of our great country that after a brutal five- week campaign, the incoming government now picks itself up and gets on with the job. Scott Morrison said it on Saturday night at the Wentworth Sofitel – there won’t be time for reflection and basking in victory, there is work to be done.
For South Australia this is good news. The last three years saw vital decisions made for our state around ship and submarine building; investment in the Osborne Shipyard; the space industry and the defence industry more broadly.
The re-election of the Morrison Government secures these critical outcomes.
There is no time for “pauses” in the submarine project or reorienting the space commitments back to Canberra from Adelaide as was proposed by Labor.
To stay on schedule and on budget, the incoming Defence Minister, Linda Reynolds, needs to be given the support and freedom to keep making the decisions that keep the projects ticking along.
Fortunately, our Premier Steven Marshall has a superb relationship with the Prime Minister. They are in lock-step on the need for economic growth and a growing population for SA; for new infrastructure in road and rail and on the job creating projects that lead to innovation and exports.
Senator Simon Birmingham, the Minister for Trade and Investment, has had a stellar campaign as the Liberal Party campaign spokesman. He is the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and has a tremendous work ethic.
He will stand up for South Australia and, along with Assistant Ministers Anne Ruston and David Fawcett, ensure our voice is heard at the Ministerial table.
My successor in the seat of Sturt, James Stevens, was chief of staff to Steven Marshall and worked for me in Canberra. He is well connected and has the potential to be in the Cabinet in the future.
Christopher Pyne is the former member for Sturt.
Originally published as Christopher Pyne: In Pantheon of Liberal heroes, Scott Morrison’s right up there
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