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| Scott Morrison ministry | |
|---|---|
| Name | Scott Morrison ministry |
| Caption | Scott Morrison in 2019 |
| Jurisdiction | Australia |
| Date formed | 24 August 2018 |
| Date dissolved | 23 May 2022 |
| Government head | Scott Morrison |
| State head | Elizabeth II (until 2022) |
| Political party | Liberal Party of Australia and National Party of Australia (Coalition) |
| Legislature status | Majority Coalition (2019–2022) |
| Opposition leader | Bill Shorten (2018–2019), Anthony Albanese (2019–2022) |
| Election | 2019 Australian federal election |
| Previous | Second Turnbull ministry |
| Successor | Albanese ministry |
Scott Morrison ministry was the executive ministry of Australia led by Scott Morrison serving as Prime Minister from 24 August 2018 to 23 May 2022. Formed following a leadership change in the Liberal Party of Australia, the ministry presided over major events including the 2019 Australian federal election, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020–21 Australian bushfire season. It was a Coalition administration in partnership with the National Party of Australia that implemented policies on taxation, welfare, industrial relations, and national security.
The ministry emerged after an internal leadership vote within the Liberal Party of Australia that ousted Malcolm Turnbull and installed Scott Morrison as leader, with Morrison ministry announced 24 August 2018. The change followed factional tensions between figures such as Peter Dutton, Julie Bishop, and Josh Frydenberg and debates on policy positions aligned with conservative and moderate wings represented by Tony Abbott and Mathias Cormann. The Coalition maintained confidence of the Parliament of Australia and negotiated arrangements with the National Party of Australia led by Michael McCormack to preserve Coalition unity. Immediate priorities reflected commitments made in the preceding ministries and campaign platforms for the 2019 Australian federal election.
The ministry comprised senior members of the Liberal Party of Australia and the National Party of Australia. Key cabinet positions included Prime Minister Scott Morrison; Treasurer Josh Frydenberg; Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader Michael McCormack; Foreign Minister Marise Payne; Defence Minister Peter Dutton (later Liberal leadership spill shifts); Attorney-General Christian Porter (later succeeded); and Home Affairs ministers including Peter Dutton and successors. Other notable ministers and portfolio holders included Greg Hunt, Dan Tehan, Sussan Ley, Angus Taylor, Alan Tudge, Bridget McKenzie, Mathias Cormann, Michaelia Cash, Simon Birmingham, Karen Andrews, Ken Wyatt, Anne Ruston, Keith Pitt, Paul Fletcher, Stuart Robert, Richard Colbeck, Penny Wong (opposition at times), and Zed Seselja (later). The ministry blended veterans from the Howard government and newer figures elevated from the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The ministry pursued a range of domestic and international initiatives. Economic management centered on the Budget delivered by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg with measures including tax cuts and industry incentives influenced by advisors from think tanks such as the Institute of Public Affairs. Industrial relations and workplace reforms intersected with debates involving the Australian Council of Trade Unions and business groups like the Business Council of Australia. Health and pandemic response featured federal coordination with state leaders such as Gladys Berejiklian and Daniel Andrews during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, including economic stimulus packages like the JobKeeper program. Climate and energy policy involved controversies over commitments under the Paris Agreement and initiatives like the National Hydrogen Strategy and funding for the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project. Immigration and border security remained a focus through agencies such as the Department of Home Affairs and issues tied to the Australian Border Force and regional partners like Papua New Guinea and Nauru.
The ministry's tenure was marked by significant events and disputes. The response to the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season drew national scrutiny and international attention from figures including Greta Thunberg and media outlets like the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Controversies included ministerial conduct allegations involving Christian Porter, debates over sports funding linked to the Sports Rorts affair involving Bridget McKenzie, and scrutiny of donations and lobbyists such as dealings connected to Clive Palmer and mining interests. The ministry also faced criticism over handling of the pandemic including hotel quarantine failures in Victoria and the coordination with state premiers. Tensions with regional partners and the imposition of tariffs and trade sanctions affected relations with China and prompted diplomatic responses involving the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
After the 2019 Australian federal election, the Coalition secured government with a reduced swing in the House of Representatives against opposition leader Bill Shorten. The ministry navigated a complex parliamentary crossbench including independents like Zali Steggall and minor parties such as One Nation led by Pauline Hanson. During the 2020–2022 period, polling fluctuated amid pandemic management and economic measures, culminating in the Coalition losing government at the 2022 Australian federal election to the Australian Labor Party led by Anthony Albanese.
The ministry experienced multiple reshuffles prompted by resignations, controversies, and strategic repositioning. Notable departures included ministers such as Bridget McKenzie and Christian Porter (portfolio changes and controversies), and promotions of figures like Linda Reynolds (later replaced), Angus Taylor, and Sussan Ley following portfolio adjustments. Leadership tensions surfaced in episodes of the Liberal Party leadership spill tradition, affecting ministers including Peter Dutton and Josh Frydenberg, and leading to reshuffles ahead of key parliamentary sessions and electoral campaigns.
The ministry's legacy includes its management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, economic stimulus measures such as JobKeeper, and contentious debates over climate policy relative to the Paris Agreement targets. Its term influenced the realignment of the Liberal Party of Australia's factions, shaped public perceptions of federal crisis response, and contributed to electoral shifts culminating in the rise of the Albanese ministry. Long-term impacts extend to policy settings on energy transition projects like Snowy Hydro 2.0, industrial relations precedents, and Australia’s diplomatic posture in the Indo-Pacific region involving partners like United States and Japan.