MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster and Member for Farrer Sussan Ley have distanced themselves from calls for former prime minister Scott Morrison to stand down.
Mr Morrison, now a backbencher, was a key figure named in the final report of the royal commission into the illegal robodebt scheme, set up when he was social services minister.
After the report’s release this month, Mr Morrison said he rejected the findings critical of his involvement in authorising the scheme, which he said were wrong and unsubstantiated.
Since last year’s election, Mr Morrison has faced continued speculation about whether he would resign.
The royal commission report prompted several politicians to again weigh in on whether the Member for Cook should relinquish his position and trigger a by-election.
This included Nationals leader David Littleproud, who last week told Sky News that Mr Morrison had to “get back to first principles”.
“He is there to represent the people of Cook, if his heart’s not in that it’s probably time for him to move on and let someone who does have the passion and the fire in the belly to do that,” Mr Littleproud said.
Other Coalition MPs to suggest Mr Morrison quit included Tasmanian Liberal MP Bridget Archer and NSW Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg.
Unlike her party leader, Dr Webster refused to weigh in on the debate.
“I was elected as a Nationals MP to represent the people of Mallee,” Dr Webster said.
“My energy is focused on critical local issues such as health, aged care, the future of irrigated horticulture, finding workers, homelessness and the threat of huge transmission lines, among many others.”
Member for Farrer and deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley told Sky News that Mr Morrison was very popular in his electorate and MPs were often asked the question about his future.
“That’s absolutely a matter for him,” Ms Ley said.
“It’s entirely a matter for Scott Morrison and the decisions that he makes.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also said he would not force the former PM out of his seat.
“I think it’s Scott’s decision as to whether he stays or goes,” Mr Dutton told 2GB.
“He’s a good representative for his local community and he’ll make the decision that’s right for him.”
