Scott Morrison used self-appointed powers to override minister on unpopular Pep11 gas-drilling permit

Government sources say Morrison took control of Keith Pitt's portfolio to reject exploration licence in lead-up to election

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Scott Morrison used his extraordinary ministerial powers to overrule the resources minister, Keith Pitt, on the controversial Pep11 gas project, without revealing he had appointed himself responsible for the portfolio.

As details emerge about the former prime minister's takeover of at least three additional portfolios, government sources say Morrison took control of the resources portfolio to reject the offshore gas exploration permit in the lead-up to the election.

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