Prime Minister Albanese Eyes Inquiry Into Morrison’s Secret Cabinet Move
In a light‑dressed Sunday briefing, Anthony Albanese announced that his government will chew over the weird case of former leader Scott Morrison grabbing five major ministries behind closed doors during the COVID‑19 crisis.
What Went Down?
- Morrison found himself wearing a very tempting “portfolio” badge—Home Affairs, Treasury, Health, Finance, and Resources—between 2020 and 2021.
- Some say it was the most clandestine power grab in Australian history.
- At least one minister, on a single occasion, had to accept a “no” from Morrison when a resource project got the thumbs‑down.
Albanese’s Wrap‑Up
“We’ll check all of these questions after the Solicitor General slopes in with his legal verdict,” Albanese told Sky News, sounding like a detective on a magazine cover. He added: “I’ve got a proper cabinet, full procedures. Whatever the Solicitor General says, we’ll give it our full thought.”
But beyond the constitutional crunch, there’s a bigger question he wants to probe: “How does this impact our democracy? Are the Westminster rules fragile? And, if they’re on shaky ground, do we need a rewrite of the playbook to make sure no one ever swaps roles in a secret game again?”
Reacts From Both Sides
The Labor government furrowed its brows at the alleged “silent takeover,” while some members of the Liberal Party—Morrison’s own camp—got the same indignant look. Morrison, meanwhile, insisted he wasn’t “taking over” but simply “taking on” the responsibilities, under a formal swearing-in by the governor‑general.
In short: a former PM goniated his way into hidden ministries, a current PM is ready to fire up an inquiry, and the whole affair is being debated in the great Aussie kitchen called democracy.
