Key Points
- Anthony Albanese has announced an independent inquiry into Scott Morrison's secret ministerial appointments
- The inquiry will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell
Scott Morrison's will be investigated by a former High Court judge in an independent inquiry announced by the Albanese government.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the inquiry into his predecessor's actions will be held "at arm's length" from the government and provide "transparency" about what went on.
"We need to have a quick and appropriate inquiry which is not about the politics, but about how this happened, why it happened, who knew about it," he said on Friday.
"We need to have transparency in the process because our system of parliamentary democracy relies upon conventions, relies upon the Westminster system of checks and balances."
The inquiry - led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell - will examine the circumstances surrounding to the health, finance, industry, energy and resources, treasury and home affairs portfolios during 2020 and 2021.
"It will also examine the implications arising from these appointments for the functioning of departments, government business enterprises and statutory bodies, and for accountability and public confidence in our system of government," Mr Albanese said.
"The terms of reference also require the inquiry to examine and report on practices and processes applying to ministerial appointments, including the public disclosure of these appointments."
Asked if Mr Morrison would be forced to cooperate with the inquiry, Mr Albanese said it would be up to Justice Bell.
"I would find it extraordinary if anyone refused to talk to a former High Court judge who is, I think, beyond reproach," he said.
"But if it was the case that Virginia Bell felt like she was not getting the cooperation that was required, then I'm certain that other measures could be considered.
The announcement of the inquiry follows advice from the Commonwealth solicitor-general this week, who found that
In a statement posted on Facebook after the release of the advice, Mr Morrison defended his actions as necessary due to the "serious crises" facing Australia at the time.
"I note that the solicitor-general found that the appointments were 'valid' and that 'while there is some historical precedent for the publication in the Gazette of appointments to administer particular departments of state under s 64, there is no consistent practice in that regard'," he wrote.
"In hindsight, some of these decisions will be reflected upon now and lessons learned. The solicitor-general has noted a number of these points from his perspective in his advice and I am sure this will help guide any changes in these areas."
Justice Bell will deliver her final report to the prime minister by 25 November.
