Australia begins inquiry into ex-PM Morrison’s appointments

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed Virginia Bell, a former High Court judge, to lead an inquiry into former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s secret appointments to some ministries at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PM Albanese said Virginia Bell will head the inquiry into Morrison’s dual appointments to a range of departments, from health and finances to treasury and home affairs, and report by November 25.

“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.

“It’s important so that people can have confidence in our parliamentary democracy.” Albanese told reporters.

The secret appointments “fundamentally undermined” responsible government, despite being legally valid, Australia’s solicitor general said in advice this week.

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Zainab Sa’id