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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Sarah Martin

Scott Morrison used self-appointed powers to override minister on unpopular Pep-11 gas-drilling permit

Scott Morrison and Keith Pitt in parliament
Former prime minister Scott Morrison (left) used his self-appointed powers to overrule resources minister Keith Pitt on the Pep11 gas project, sources say. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Scott Morrison used his extraordinary ministerial powers to overrule the resources minister, Keith Pitt, on the controversial Pep-11 gas project, without revealing he had appointed himself responsible for the portfolio.

As details emerge about the former prime minister’s takeover of at least three additional portfolios, government sources say Morrison took control of the resources portfolio to reject the offshore gas exploration permit in the lead-up to the election.

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