Net Worth: C. $42 Million
Age: 55
DOB: 13 May 1968
Birthplace: Waverley, Sydney, Australia
Scott Morrison is an Australian politician who is best known for being the country’s 30th Prime Minister.
Born in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Morrison might be a divisive figure on account of his political allegiances. However, most fair commentators agree that his rise to prominence in the sphere of Australian politics has been characterised by a commitment to public service, a principles-based approach to leadership and a focus on economic stability.
Due to his rise to the top job in Australian politics, Morrison has accrued a sizeable net worth. So much so that, while he is still only 55 years old, he has set himself up for life and could easily take early retirement if he wanted to.
Early Life and Background
Scott Morrison grew up in a devout Christian family. His father, John Morrison, was a policeman and also served one term as mayor of Waverley Municipal Council. Moreover, his grandmother on his dad’s side was a niece of Dame Mary Gilmore, the famous Australian poet, while his grandfather, on his mother’s side, hailed from New Zealand.
Morrison is also a direct descendent of a British convict called William Roberts, who was transported on the First Fleet to Australia in 1788, after being convicted of stealing yarn.
Educational and Professional Background
Morrison grew up in the Sydney suburb of Bronte and completed his schooling at Sydney Boys High School. During his younger years he also enjoyed a brief stint as a child actor, appearing in a number of TV commercials and bit part roles in local shows.
After leaving high school he studied for a Bachelor of Science in Economic Geography at the University of New South Wales. Not long after his graduation, he joined the tourism sector, where he worked in various roles that provided him with insights into the challenges facing businesses and the broader economy.
Entry into Politics
Scott Morrison entered the political arena in the early 2000s, working behind the scenes as a party official and strategist for the New South Wales Liberal Party.
His exceptional organisational skills and strategic acumen quickly garnered attention, resulting in his appointment as the State Director of the Liberal Party in 2000 when he was just 32 years old. This role marked the beginning of his active involvement in the world of politics.
Federal Parliament and Ministerial Roles
Morrison’s journey in federal politics commenced in 2007 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Division of Cook in New South Wales. His reputation as a pragmatic and effective operator saw him rise through the ranks, and in 2013, he was appointed as the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection in the Abbott government.
Notably, Morrison gained recognition for implementing strict border protection policies, including the controversial ‘Operation Sovereign Borders’, which was aimed at deterring unauthorised boat arrivals. While these measures were divisive, the Liberal party claimed they contributed to a significant reduction in maritime arrivals – therefore fulfilling Morrison’s commitment to maintaining national security.
Treasurer and Economic Management
In 2015, Scott Morrison assumed the role of Treasurer in the Turnbull government. As the chief custodian of the nation’s finances, Morrison played a crucial role in steering Australia through economic challenges.
His tenure as Treasurer coincided with a period of global economic uncertainty and Morrison’s pragmatic approach was evident in the government’s focus on budget repair, tax reform and job creation.
Leadership Spill and Prime Ministership
Australian politics was a volatile landscape in 2018 to the point that a leadership spill in August of that month resulted in Scott Morrison ascending to the position of Prime Minister.
Succeeding Malcolm Turnbull, Morrison faced the daunting task of unifying a fractured party and leading the government through a challenging election period. Many commentators were convinced the Liberal Party would lose the next general election to Labour.
Election Victory and ‘The Miracle Win’
In May 2019, Scott Morrison defied the odds and secured a surprise victory in the federal election. The outcome, often referred to as ‘The Miracle Win’, saw the Liberal-National Coalition retain power against widespread expectations of defeat. Morrison’s strategic campaigning, emphasis on economic stability and connection with everyday Australians played pivotal roles in this electoral triumph.
Handling of National Crises
Scott Morrison’s leadership was put to the test during several national crises, including the devastating bushfires that swept across Australia in 2019-2020 and the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of his supporters saw his response to these crises as a mix of empathy, pragmatism and decisive action. However, he detractors took a different view.
During the bushfires, Morrison faced criticism for the government’s initial response, but he later implemented measures to address the emergency, including deploying military resources and providing financial support to affected communities. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic saw Morrison spearhead a swift and comprehensive economic response – including financial stimulus packages and measures to protect public health which brought him favour with much of the general public.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite his successes, Morrison’s leadership was not without its share of challenges and controversies. Two significant challenges were his management of the Britney Higgins rape allegations at Parliament House and of workplace misconduct within the political sphere in general. This led to a heightened scrutiny of the culture within the government.
Additionally, Morrison faced criticism for what was perceived by some as a lack of decisive action on climate change, a contentious issue that resonates deeply with the Australian public. He also faced a backlash for his attempts to pass through the controversial Religious Discrimination Bill which was designed to protect religious people from discrimination.
These controversies brought to the forefront the tension between the government’s policies and public expectations – emphasising the delicate balancing act required in navigating the diverse and often polarised opinions within the Australian political landscape.
Personal Life
Morrison has been married to his childhood sweetheart Jenny Warren since 1990. They started dating aged 16 and tied the knot when Warren was 22 and Morrison was 21. They have two teenage daughters.
Morrison is nicknamed Sco-Mo and was a big fan of rugby union growing up. As a boy he supported the Eastern Suburbs RUFC. However, after relocating to the Sutherland Shire, he started to follow the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks rugby league team. In 2016 he was appointed their number-one ticket holder.
Four years later, on 22nd December 2020, Donald Trump, the then President of the USA appointed him Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit.
Final Thought
Scott Morrison’s journey from a suburban upbringing to the highest office in Australia reflects his resilience, political acumen and commitment to public service. As the nation’s 30th Prime Minister, Morrison navigated challenges that centred around economic stability, national security and crisis
management. While his reign was characterised by controversies and debates Morrison has at least been successful in building himself a net worth of over AUS $42 million.