Scott Morrison’s secret ministerial appointments made Australia vulnerable, home affairs minister says

Clare O'Neil compares the former PM to a despot' but John Howard says criticisms are over the top'

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our free news app, morning email briefing or daily news podcast

The home affairs minister, Clare O'Neil, has accused Scott Morrison of making Australia vulnerable" with his secret ministerial appointments, with revelations that some of Australia's top spy agencies were also kept in the dark over the former prime minister's appointment to run their department.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is demanding government bureaucrats reveal information about who else knew of Morrison's unprecedented takeover of five ministerial portfolios, with most of the ministers appointed to those roles - including his treasurer and trusted deputy, Josh Frydenberg - said to have been blindsided by the unfolding story this week.