Australian ex-PM censured over secret ministry posts

Australia's parliament censured ex-prime minister Scott Morrison for secretly appointing himself to several key ministries during the Covid-19 pandemic, delivering a rare and stinging rebuke.

By a vote of 86 to 50, the parliament said that the former conservative leader's actions "eroded public trust in Australia's democracy" and made proper accountability impossible.

It is the first time in Australian history that a former prime minister has been formally censured by the House of Representatives.

Over two years, Morrison had himself sworn in as minister for finance, home affairs, treasury, resources, agriculture and environment -- without telling the public, parliament or existing ministers.

"He owes an apology to the Australian people for the undermining of democracy," said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose centre-left party ousted Morrison in a May 2022 election.

"I am proud of my achievements in this place, and I am proud of my government," Morrison said. "I gave it everything I had."

Morrison did express some misgivings about keeping his appointments secret and claimed he would have told the public if asked by journalists.

"I acknowledge that the non-disclosure of arrangements has caused unintentional offence and extend an apology to those who were offended," he said.

"I do not apologise for taking action, especially prudent redundancy action, in a national crisis in order to save lives and to save livelihoods."