Scott Morrison has defended himself and his legacy in parliament following a censure motion from the federal government. 

The federal government successfully moved the motion this morning, arguing he eroded trust in government when he secretly appointed himself to five portfolios during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BREAKING | Former prime minister Scott Morrison has been censured in parliament.

86 MPs voted in favour of the motion after Liberal MP Bridget Archer crossed the floor.

50 MPs voted against it.

— 4BC Brisbane (@NewsTalk4BC) November 30, 2022

Labor claims the former prime minister eroded trust in government when he secretly appointed himself to five portfolios during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Morrison this morning argued it was a necessary safety net but said any suggestion he served as minister of the portfolios in that time is “false”.

“It is strange to describe such actions as a power grab, as they were never exercised or even used to exercise influence over the relevant ministers,” he said.

“They were simply a dormant redundancy.

“In relation to a decision to take authority to administer the Department of Industry, Science Resources and Technology, for the purposes of being able to consider Pep-11, I do not resile from that action.”

He accused the federal government of “political intimidation” and using its majority to “impose its retribution on a political opponent”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told MPs he was uncertain whether he would speak over the censure motion but felt compelled to.

“A censure motion like this is as rare as it is grave,” he said. “The fact that it has become so necessary constitutes a profoundly sad moment in the life of our national Parliament.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ray Hadley cross to Anthony Albanese’s speech

#LIVE: Former PM Scott Morrison to face censure motion over secret ministries scandal.

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— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) November 29, 2022

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