Scott was Australia’s 30th Prime Minister.
In the time he led our country, Scott presided over some of the most difficult challenges an Australian Prime Minister has known since the Second World War; most notably COVID-19.
Thanks to Scott’s quick decision to close the border, Australian lives were saved. And thanks to his Government’s JobKeeper package, more than 1 million businesses were supported and more than 4 million Australians had their jobs saved.
During the disruption of the pandemic, where travel was constrained, he engaged in worldwide telephone and video conferencing diplomacy to maintain and deepen our critical relationships.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, he immediately reassured President Zelensky that Australia stood with the people of Ukraine. And it was not empty rhetoric. Under Scott Morrison’s leadership, Australia provided millions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid to our friends.
But if there is a standout achievement of his Government, it was the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. AUKUS will underpin our defence and deterrence for decades to come.
In the days and weeks ahead, we will be able to reflect on Scott’s broader legacy – in stopping the boats as Immigration Minister, in keeping our economy well-managed as Treasurer, and in looking after the constituents he cherished dearly as the Member for Cook.
But on the announcement of his retirement today – and on behalf of the Coalition – I want to thank Scott Morrison for his service to our nation, for his dedication to the Liberal Party, and for his personal friendship.
My best wishes to him, his wife Jenny, and their daughters Abigail and Lily.
23 January 2024