Bridget Archer says power is ‘not a game’ as she supports Scott Morrison censure

Renegade Liberal Bridget Archer says she is “deeply disappointed” by former prime minister Scott Morrison for his lack of “genuine apology”, prompting a brief statement made up of harsh words for her former party leader.

The only member of the opposition to speak in favour of the censure motion brought about by the Leader of the House Tony Burke, Ms Archer said transparency and accountability should not be treated as a “game”.

She said that as a Liberal, she believed in Liberal values, and her relentless advocating for integrity in politics, and her disappointment in Mr Morrison’s lack of accountability, was the reason she broke ranks with her party.

On Wednesday morning, Mr Burke moved a motion to censure Mr Morrison following the findings of a report by former High Court justice Virginia Bell, which described Mr Morrison’s secret appointments to five ministries over five years as “corrosive” to trust in government.

In defending himself, Mr Morrison unapologetically lashed the motion as nothing but political retribution and said he was proud of his actions in steering Australia through the pandemic.

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

After his speech, Mr Morrison was embraced by Coalition members – while Ms Archer remained strident in her seat.

Ms Archer – the Liberal member for the marginal Tasmanian seat of Bass – said she did not accept any of Mr Morrison’s explanations for his actions.

Speaking from a near-empty opposition section of the House of Representatives, she said the censure motion was a “clear opportunity” for the party to draw a line and “heed the message sent to us at the May election”.

“I’m deeply disappointed by the lack of genuine apology, or more importantly, understanding of the impact of these decisions,” she said.

“There is great privilege that comes with being the prime minister, but with that comes great responsibility and accountability – which you can’t have without transparency … This is not a game.

“It would be remiss of me not to mention that for me, this issue also sits at the heart of our party to move forward.”

During the debate, Ms Archer spoke to independent MPs, including Helen Haines, and following her speech was visited by the Sports Minister Anika Wells and independent MP Zali Steggall.

It’s not the first time Ms Archer has crossed the floor – having supported Ms Haines’ anti-corruption Bill during the Morrison government’s tenure.

Ms Archer was followed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who opened by saying he had not planned to speak to the motion, having expected Mr Morrison to show “a semblance of contrition”.

“We got none of that. We got hubris and arrogance and denial,” he said.

The government says it will implement all six recommendations of the Bell inquiry, which Mr Morrison said he would support.

Originally published as Bridget Archer says power is ‘not a game’ as she supports Scott Morrison censure