Scott Morrison has defended himself and his legacy in parliament following a censure motion from the federal government.

Labor claims the former prime minister eroded trust in government when he secretly appointed himself to five portfolios during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Morrison this morning argued it was a necessary safety net but said any suggestion he served as minister of the portfolios in that time is “false”.

“It is strange to describe such actions as a power grab, as they were never exercised or even used to exercise influence over the relevant ministers,” he said.

“They were simply a dormant redundancy.

“In relation to a decision to take authority to administer the Department of Industry, Science Resources and Technology, for the purposes of being able to consider Pep-11, I do not resile from that action.

“I do not apologise for taking action, especially prudent redundancy action, in a national crisis.”

He accused the federal government of “political intimidation” and using its majority to “impose its retribution on a political opponent”.

Image: Sam Mooy/Getty Images