Australia’s Prime Minister-elect, Scott Morrison, has told the country he and new party deputy Josh Frydenberg – who is expected to take on the job of Treasurer in the new government – are “on your side”.
“There has been a lot of talk this week about whose side people are on in this building,” he told a press conference late Friday afternoon. “And what Josh and I are here to tell you, as the new generation of Liberal leadership, is that we’re on your side.”
He added that Australians “share beliefs and values” and that “there is a fair go for those who have a go” in Australia.
Addressing the priorities for the new Coalition Government, Morrison described the drought affecting large parts of eastern Australia as the “most urgent issue” but said electricity prices, healthcare and small and medium-sized businesses would also be among key issues he would look to address.
“But it really does come back to those three things – keeping economy strong, keeping Australians safe, and keeping Australians together.”
Asked whether he would call an election, Morrison said that once the new government had been sworn in – expected to take place Friday night – they “intend to be governing”.
“We’ve got a lot to do as a fresh new team so I don’t think anybody should be making any plans for any elections any time soon,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to his first electoral test.
And asked why the Liberal Party removed a sitting Prime Minister, Morrison said “Well, you’re looking at two people who did not do that today and who were very loyal and commited to the Government that we were privileged to form part of…”
“We will provide the stability and the unity and the direction and the purpose that the Australian people expect of us as leaders, both of our party and of our great nation.”
Morrison thanked Turnbull for his “noble and professional” work in the Parliament and said he would be talking to Julie Bishop, ousted deputy about her role in the new government – it is expected she will retain the role of Foreign Minister. He also made it clear Peter Dutton, who failed in his bid for the party leadership, would have a place in the new cabinet.
Morrison said he understood Turnbull’s desire to leave politics.
“I wish Malcolm and his family well.”
