PETITION: 

REVOKE – RESCIND – RETRACT

SCOTT MORRISON’S COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

To:
Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Government House, Canberra ACT 2600
Email: awards@gg.gov.au

Cc:
The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister of Australia
Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Email: prime.minister@pm.gov.au

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Australia, draw to the attention of Her Excellency and the Prime Minister the following grave concerns regarding the decision to award the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) to former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

This award, representing the nation’s highest civilian honour, has provoked widespread public dismay and called into question the integrity of Australia’s Honours system. We believe that this appointment contradicts the very principles of merit, transparency, and ethical public service that such awards are meant to uphold.

I. A Record of Undemocratic Conduct
Mr Morrison secretly appointed himself to five ministerial portfolios — Health, Treasury, Finance, Home Affairs, and Resources — without informing Parliament or the public. This act was not only unprecedented, but fundamentally incompatible with the democratic values of accountability and open government. Even after these actions were publicly revealed, Mr Morrison refused to express genuine contrition.

II. Mismanagement During the COVID-19 Crisis

Under Mr Morrison’s leadership:

The vaccine rollout was delayed and mismanaged.
His dismissive slogan, “It’s not a race,” became emblematic of avoidable delays.
Tens of thousands of Australians were stranded overseas without support.
Leadership was fragmented, inconsistent, and riddled with blame-shifting to states and territories.

III. The Robodebt Scandal

As Minister for Social Services and later as Prime Minister, Mr Morrison oversaw and defended the unlawful Robodebt scheme. This program inflicted immense psychological and financial harm, disproportionately targeting vulnerable Australians. The Royal Commission into Robodebt identified severe ethical and legal failings. This alone should have precluded the awarding of any public honour.

IV. Systemic Ethical Failures

Sports and Car Park Rorts: Billions of public dollars were distributed under grant schemes mired in allegations of political favouritism.
Failure to Establish a Real Integrity Commission: Despite repeated promises, Mr Morrison failed to create a credible federal anti-corruption body.
Suppression of the Media: Investigative journalists and whistle-blowers faced police raids under his watch, eroding press freedom and public accountability.

V. Climate and International Standing

Mr Morrison’s inaction and obstructionism on climate policy severely damaged Australia’s international reputation. At COP26, his government was widely criticised, while his failure to lead during Australia’s bushfire crisis — exemplified by the phrase “That’s not my job” — became symbolic of neglect and poor judgment.

VI. The AUKUS Agreement
The AUKUS pact was announced without parliamentary consultation or adequate public debate, entrenching Australia in long-term military and financial commitments with significant strategic risks. Many Australians view this as a rushed decision that lacked transparency and democratic process.

VII. Inappropriate Recognition
The decision to award Mr Morrison the AC dishonours those Australians who have earned national recognition through genuine, ethical, and constructive contributions. It confers legitimacy upon a legacy that includes executive overreach, mismanagement, and disregard for foundational democratic principles.

WE THEREFORE REQUEST THAT:

The appointment of Scott Morrison to the Order of Australia (AC) be formally reviewed and revoked in accordance with the principles of the Australian Honours and Awards system.
A public explanation be provided detailing how the award met the necessary thresholds of conduct and merit, particularly in light of the substantial record of concerns outlined above.
If this petition cannot initiate or be used for revocation, that the following be immediately provided to petitioners and the Australian public:
The formal process for requesting a reconsideration or cancellation of a national Honour.
The specific authority or committee responsible for initiating such a review.
A list of required supporting documentation for formal objections.
Contact details for the relevant department or Review Panel overseeing the Honours system.

A link to official policy documents, legislative references, or constitutional guidelines that govern such reviews.
Until this matter is properly resolved — either through revocation or a compelling, transparent justification — we believe this award will remain a blemish on the national Honours system and a source of profound disappointment to those who uphold the values of democracy, public accountability, and integrity in public life.

We respectfully submit this petition with the conviction that national recognition must reflect not political convenience, but the enduring values of responsible and ethical service to the Australian people.

Yours sincerely,
The Undersigned