Being treasurer a 'privilege': Morrison

Scott Morrison has released his first statement since being promoted to the crucial role of treasurer.

Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison (C) has released his first statement since being promoted to the role of treasurer. (AAP)

Scott Morrison says he will consult widely in coming weeks as he puts together his first mid-year budget review and responds to a series of reviews, including the tax white paper.

In his first statement after being sworn in as treasurer on Monday, Mr Morrison said the Turnbull government would aim to provide economic opportunity and security for Australian families.

It is also his ambition to drive the confidence necessary for growth.

"Central to this confidence is jobs," he said.

Mr Morrison said it was the government's duty to taxpayers to manage the nation's public finances, while continuing to steadily reduce the budget deficit and the debt burden.

"It is a great privilege and exciting responsibility to be taking on the role of treasurer and I thank the prime minister for putting his confidence in me," the former social services minister said.

Mr Morrison acknowledged the work and dedication of his predecessor Joe Hockey, and particularly Mr Hockey's leadership during Australia's presidency of the G20 in 2014.

The former treasurer's legacy was "strong and worthy", he said, and represented a turning point in the nation's finances.

In his last act as treasurer, Mr Hockey released the final budget outcome for the 2014/15 financial year, which recorded a deficit of $37.9 billion - a $3.3 billion improvement compared with the estimate at the time of the 2015/16 budget release in May.

Mr Hockey announced on Sunday that he would be leaving parliament.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world