This is despite the appointment being legally valid.

Anthony Albanese indicates that the government will also consider an inquiry and reforms to ensure the actions cannot be repeated.

He said he did not inform the ministers because he would only use the powers in an emergency.

Anthony Albanese says this was 'a centralisation of power by the former prime minister'.

More than 17 million Australians are registered to vote in an election that will decide who controls the House of Representatives, the Senate and who lives in the prime minister's 'Lodge'.

This comes as he faces heat just months out from a federal election over his handling of the Omicron wave.

Scott Morrison is under fierce public pressure to improve a vaccination rate currently languishing around 11%, among the lowest rate of any rich nation.

Prior to entering the European Common Market in 1973, the UK was Australia's most lucrative trading market.

The government is struggling to contain a backlash over allegations of mistreatment of female lawmakers and staff.

The graphic images have prompted fresh outrage from female lawmakers and the Australian public, coming on the heels of the rape allegations that sparked mass nationwide protests.

But Australia's PM wants more restrictions lifted quickly out of fears for the mental well-being of Melburnians.