Former prime minister Scott Morrison breaks silence on Coalition loss, urges unity and return to core economic values

Sky News AU

6 days ago

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has broken his silence following the Coalition's federal election loss, urging the Liberal and National parties to return to their core values.
In his first interview since the defeat, Mr Morrison told Sky News the Coalition's path back to government must include lower taxes, strong national defence and essential services.
'It has always been the heritage of the Liberal and National parties to stand for lower tax, stronger national security, an economy that can support essential services like health, education, the NDIS,' he said.
'People want to have aspiration. They want to get ahead. They want to see defence and national security ensure that we can have a peaceful region.
'All of that depends on a strong economy. That always remains the core message, I think, of the Coalition.'
Mr Morrison declined to offer direct commentary on what went wrong during the election campaign, which saw the Coalition record one of its worst results in decades.
Former opposition leader Peter Dutton has faced heavy criticism for the Coalition's lack of economic messaging during the campaign.
During the federal budget week, Treasurer Jim Chalmers surprised voters with tax cuts — a move that the Coalition struggled to counter.
Political observers noted the opposition lacked a clear counter proposal, eventually offering a $1,200 tax offset weeks into the campaign.
Mr Morrison said the Liberal–National Coalition's strength has historically come from clarity on economic management and national security.
'We're an entrepreneurial, free country that supports people to get on and make their own futures, and I think we've always been the party that stood for that,' he said.
He acknowledged that political attitudes, particularly post-COVID, have led to voters expecting more security and support from government.
However, he warned against allowing these expectations to override the party's economic philosophy.
'People are seeing, often, their economic security these days more in government shielding them from economic cycles, rather than the policies that help them get ahead,' he said.
Mr Morrison praised newly appointed Liberal leader Susan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud, saying he remained confident in their ability to rebuild the Coalition.
'There's always tensions in the Coalition… but you work through them together. I think that's what Sussan in particular has done, and I commend her for doing it,' he said.
Ms Ley and Mr Littleproud have since reached a renewed Coalition agreement, following a temporary split.