Scott Morrison scores new gig as adviser to a US security think tank – amid speculation, he’s leaving politics behind for good
- Scott Morrison accepts job as American think tank
- He is expected to retire from politics this year
Scott Morrison has taken up an advisory position at a Washington-based think tank amid speculation that the former prime minister will retire from politics by the end of the year.
Mr. Morrison will now serve on the board of advisors to the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), an independent think tank focused on national security and defense policy.
He joins Rupert Murdoch’s son James on the board.
Mr. Morrison will now serve on the board of advisors to the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), an independent think tank focused on national security and defense policy
CNAS chief executive Richard Fontaine praised Mr Morrison’s time as prime minister, describing his leadership during Covid as one of the most successful in the world.
Mr. Morrison’s role in the AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States was also praised during the announcement.
“As Prime Minister, Scott Morrison spearheaded the historic AUKUS defense deal and led his country’s efforts to deal with an increasingly aggressive China,” he said.
“As the newest member of the CNAS Advisory Board, his insights and expertise will enhance the Center’s research and work. We look forward to his contributions.’
CNAS was founded in 2007 by Kurt Campbell, who is now the Biden administration’s National Security Council Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific.
The center describes itself as “an independent, bipartisan, non-profit organization that develops a strong, pragmatic, and principled national security and defense policy.”
Mr Morrison’s role (pictured with Boris Johnson and Joe Biden) in the AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States was also praised during the CNAS announcement
It comes after reports circulated earlier this week that Mr Morrison was considering taking up a job in the UK defense sector.
Two sources close to him said he is considering the potential job offer, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Mr Morrison is expected to leave front-line politics at some point after the May 9 budget and before the end of the year.
The job offer has yet to be finalised, but if it is made – and Mr Morrison accepts – the former prime minister would have to commute to the UK about once a month, while his family remains in Sydney.
Mr Morrison did not deny the allegations when approached for comment.
“I’m very involved in things in my local electorate and enjoy being back in my local community,” he told the publication.
Mr Morrison’s departure would trigger a by-election in Cook’s seat, south of Sydney, which he held in the 2022 federal election with a two-party preference margin of 12.4 per cent.
On Tuesday, Liberal leader Peter Dutton was asked if Mr Morrison had told him he will be leaving parliament soon.
‘No he has not. I had dinner with Scott the other day,’ Mr Dutton replied.
“He is clearly a distinguished former prime minister of our country and with regard to his own future, that is a question for him.”