Former High Court Justice To Lead Inquiry In Scott Morrison’s Self-Appointed Portfolios

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the appointment of Virginia Bell AC to lead the inquiry into Scott Morrison’s secret self-appointed ministries in 2020 and 2021.

The former High Court justice will lead the inquiry into how the ministerial portfolio appointments were made and the implications.

"We need to have a quick and appropriate inquiry, which is not about the politics but how this happened," Mr Albanese said.

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Albanese said the terms of reference will include examining:

• Scott Morrison’s secret appointments to administer the departments of Health, Finance, Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Treasury, and Home Affairs.
• The implications 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”.
• Examine and report on practices and processes applying to ministerial appointments, including the public disclosure of these appointments.
• Make recommendations on any changes which could provide greater transparency and accountability to ensure that this can never happen again.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the inquiry into the former PM’s appointments was “absolutely made necessary” because of the solicitor-general’s advice.

"This is sinister stuff. This is secret government. This is one of the most appalling things I've ever heard in our federal government."

- Mr Dreyfus

Hon Bell will invite public submissions and report her findings by November 25.

Albanese hopes that Bell’s appointment will “bring confidence from the Australian public”.

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