Plenty of scars, but no bitterness: Morrison delivers final speech

Scott Morrison to retire from politics

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has teared up while thanking a long list of family, staff and other supporters during an emotional final speech to parliament.

Wearing a Taylor Swift friendship bracelet that said “ScoMo” and a Cronulla Sharks-coloured tie of sky blue, white and black, the ex-Liberal leader said he was leaving politics without any bitterness – although admitted he had a few scars after a career spanning more than 16 years in public service.

“I leave this place not as one of those timid souls who tasted neither victory nor defeat, I leave having given all in that arena, and there are plenty of scars to show for it,” he said during his valedictory address.

“While I left nothing of my contributions on that field, I do believe that in that arena will always remain any bitterness, disappointments or offences that have occurred along the way.

“I leave this place appreciative and thankful, unburdened by offences, and released from any bitterness that can so often haunt post-political lives.”

Morrison said that was due to his faith, which he reflected on several times throughout his speech, including a warning that Western society should not stray away from Judaeo-Christian values, labelling them “our greatest gift”.

The former prime minister spent much of his address thanking supporters, staff and his family – including working in the titles of every Taylor Swift album at the request of his daughters – and paused to take a sip of water as he teared up on several occasions.

One of those came as he thanked his protective detail, particularly two members who were injured in a car crash during the 2022 election campaign.

“To the members of my close protection team at the AFP over the years, and who continue to look after us even on the odd occasion these days, thank you,” Morrison said.

“And I want to specially mention Travis Ford and Jen McCrae, who were terribly injured in the line of duty protecting me in a terrible car accident in Tasmania.

“I will always be grateful for your sacrifice.

“When their colleagues rushed to them at the scene, their first words were – not knowing what had occurred – ‘is the boss OK?’.”

He concluded the speech by quoting several pieces of scripture – saying he could not apologise for his strong faith – before his three final words to parliament: “Up, up Cronulla”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Morrison for his service following his speech, labelling his predecessor a “truly formidable” political opponent.

“We always knew, whatever the circumstances, that this was a person who would bring 100 per cent of his energy and determination to the political contest,” Albanese, before paying tribute to Morrison’s leadership during the pandemic.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, meanwhile, lauded Morrison’s contribution.

“On behalf of our party, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our 30th prime minister, the 14th leader of our party,” he said.

“I thank him for the sacrifice that he’s made for our country and thank him for the way in which he has led our party.”

Morrison, who was prime minister from 2018-2022, announced his decision to quit politics at the end of the month in late January, saying it was time to “take on new challenges in the global corporate sector and spend more time with my family”.

In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday ahead of his valedictory speech, Morrison said Julia Gillard is the prime minister whose conduct after leaving office he most wanted to follow.

“It is widely respected the way that Julia Gillard has conducted herself, post-prime ministership, whatever view people have on her prime ministership, positive and negative,” he said.

Morrison first entered federal parliament in 2007, before making it into cabinet as immigration minister in 2013 under Tony Abbott.

He then held the social services portfolio before a three-year stint as treasurer when Abbott was replaced by Malcolm Turnbull as PM.

When Turnbull’s support within the Liberal Party fell apart in 2018, it was Morrison who won the race to take over as leader, and he led the Coalition to a surprise victory in the 2019 federal election.

As prime minister, Morrison helped create the AUKUS agreement that will see Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines in cooperation with the United States and United Kingdom, and established national cabinet.

He came under heavy scrutiny, though, for his response to the 2019-20 black summer bushfires, as well as the delays Australia faced in acquiring COVID-19 vaccines, although Australia’s pandemic has otherwise been largely lauded.

He has served as a backbencher since losing the 2022 election, and his departure will trigger a by-election for his southern Sydney seat of Cook.

While largely keeping a low profile since the 2022 election, Morrison faced intense criticism during the period for incidents earlier in his political career.

In late 2022, he became the first former prime minister to be censured after the revelations he secretly swore himself into five ministerial portfolios during the pandemic.

Last year, his role in the Robodebt scheme drew fresh scrutiny following the release of the royal commission.

He defended his conduct in both matters.