Scott Morrison ally appointed to administer home affairs without minister’s knowledge

Ben Morton's previously unknown appointment by governor general David Hurley revealed in documents published under FOI laws

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Scott Morrison's former assistant minister, Ben Morton, was appointed to administer the home affairs department in March 2021, in a move not publicly disclosed at the time in official ministry lists or a swearing-in ceremony.

Morton's previously unknown appointment by governor general David Hurley to administer the home affairs department is detailed in documents published this week under freedom of information laws. The Guardian understands it was an arrangement not known to the then home affairs minister, Karen Andrews.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup