Australia: Unrest over secret ministerial posts

According to local media reports, Morrison has taken over the finance, health and resource agendas, two years before he leaves power in May 2022 – the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The reports speak of “inducing secrecy”. Traditionally, ministers in Australia are sworn in at a ceremony by the Governor-General, who represents the Queen.

But that wasn’t the case with Morrison, Albanese said. Even key cabinet members are not aware of this. Morrison, who was prime minister of Australia from 2018 to 2022, told Sky News he had not heard or seen Albanis’ statements: “I haven’t been involved in day-to-day politics since I left office.”

It is the responsibility of the Government to notify the appointments

Governor-General David Hurley said on Monday he had signed an “executive act” allowing Morrison to take over the portfolios in secret, according to the BBC. A spokesman for Hurley said it was “constitutional”. No swearing-in ceremony is required and notification of appointments is subject to the concerned Govt.

A spokesman for Governor General Hurley said: “It is not uncommon for ministers to be appointed to manage departments that are not within their remit. The usual procedure was followed and action was taken on the recommendation of the Government.

On the other hand, Albanese said on Monday that these measures will not be tolerated. The Prime Minister said, “If ministerial positions are captured like this in a non-democratic state, we will make fun of it.” “It centralized the power of the former prime minister. Australians have been left in the dark about what ministerial agreements are.

Ministers of Health, Finance and Resources

Meanwhile, local media reported that then-Health Secretary Greg Hunt agreed to split his portfolio if he is incapacitated by Covid-19 in 2020. In addition, the newspaper “The Australian” reported that one wanted to avoid the concentration of power in one person. On the other hand, then-Finance Minister Mathias Gorman reportedly only learned last week that the minister had shared the agenda with Morrison, News.com.au reported.

Morrison joined Keith Pitt as second secretary for resources last year. The then prime minister allegedly used his powers to block a controversial oil exploration license in New South Wales – a decision Pitt opposed. He told ABC News he accepted Morrison’s decision.

Barnaby Joyce, Morrison’s deputy prime minister from June 2021, said he had no knowledge of the appointments. “I don’t agree. I believe in a cabinet system where ministers are responsible for their own portfolios. We don’t have a presidential government,” Joyce said. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also condemned the secretive nature of additional ministerial posts. This approach undermines the tradition of parliamentary democracy.