Dear Governor‑General,
I write to you about the announcement that former Prime Minister Scott Morrison is being considered for the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This honor isn’t fitting—particularly for all Australians, including families who suffered deeply under his policies.
Despite his credentials prior to entering federal politics, Morrison’s political conduct is problematic. From smearing Michael Towke during preselection to autocratic leadership, his record is far from honorable. He destroyed Towke’s reputation—sowing personal and familial trauma—then swiftly replaced him.
Liberal figures such as Concetta Fierravanti‑Wells and Malcolm Turnbull publicly criticized Morrison as a bully and untrustworthy, noting that he “can look you dead in the eye and say something completely opposite to what he’s really thinking.” These are serious indictments of his character—far removed from what we expect of national honorees.
Morrison’s stint as Shadow Immigration Minister saw deliberate appeals to xenophobia and Islamophobia—actions unworthy of an award recipient. His harsh asylum‑seeker policies, especially the “on‑water matters” secrecy and denial of medical care, inflicted cruelty designed to deter refugees.
He also paved the way for Peter Dutton’s long persecution of the Murugappan family from Biloela—a glaring failure of empathy and leadership.
Morrison’s legacy also includes “Robodebt,” a failed automated welfare recovery system that antagonized hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Australians. The misuse of algorithms led to false debt notices, severe distress, and even suicides. Instead of recouping funds, the government paid out $1.8 billion to settle. The Royal Commission determined he misled Cabinet and dismissed parts of his testimony as false. In short, Robodebt represents a massive breach of public trust.
Morrison further breached democratic norms by secretly assigning himself five ministerial portfolios—undermining Cabinet and misleading the Governor‑General. This concentration of power was a direct attack on institutional integrity.
Adding to this, he delivered a speech in a Perth church, urging people not to trust governments or the United Nations—a call that undermines public confidence in democratic systems and international cooperation.
In light of all this, the case is clear: Scott Morrison is unfit to receive the Companion of the Order of Australia. Such an appointment would sully the honor and disrespect those who truly deserve it.
I implore you, Your Excellency: please withhold this award.
