From a China frenzy to casual transphobia, PM is on the hunt for disaffected but highly motivated voters

‘The big picture Scott Morrison is painting is if Putin can do this – ignore the sovereignty of a peaceful neighbour and grab what he wants – so can the regime in Beijing. This could happen in our neighbourhood is the point.’ Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

If you watch politics closely, you’ll recall this moment. In 2018, Scott Morrison draped his arm around Malcolm Turnbull and declared: “This is my leader and I’m ambitious for him!” Two days later, Turnbull was out and Morrison was prime minister.

That moment popped into my head this week as I watched Morrison out on the hustings in Tasmania. The more recent circumstances were quite different, but the vibe was similar.