Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been appointed as a global strategic adviser for BLS International, an Indian-based tech firm that manages visa, passport, and consular services for governments worldwide. The move has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents in Australia, who point to his record in office, particularly the controversial Robodebt scandal.
BLS International, described as a leading tech-enabled outsourcing partner, stated that it hopes to leverage Morrison's "deep economic, trade, and commercial background" for its future growth. The company highlighted his experience in market economics, financial regulation, infrastructure, and trade diversification, noting his track record working with corporate boards and global advisory firms. BLS International also referenced Morrison's role as a founding member of the Quad Leaders Dialogue, an alliance involving India, the United States, and Japan, and stated that he "elevated Australia's relationship with India."
"Mr Morrison’s experience in leading a major nation and managing complex public institutions provides valuable strategic insight for BLS International," said Chairman Shri Diwakar Aggarwal. "His guidance will further strengthen our long-term growth strategy, deepen our understanding of government priorities, support innovation in service delivery and enhance our ability to create value for both governments and citizens."
Morrison expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, "I look forward to supporting and contributing my insights to support BLS International's plans for continued growth that will give governments better choices to meet the evolving needs of their citizens and international visitors." He added that the future of public services requires a combination of innovation, security, efficiency, and integrity.
However, the appointment has ignited controversy. Greens Senator Barbara Pocock claimed that the decision should "strike fear in the minds of taxpayers and citizens." She asserted that Morrison "left the Australian public sector hollowed out and skeletal" during his tenure, and that the country is "still paying the price of Morrison's failures of public administration." Pocock suggested that his advisory role to consulting firms would benefit profiteers while taxpayers would bear the cost of potentially poor-quality privatized services.
Matthew Camenzuli, a former Liberal party member, posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling Morrison's appointment "an absolute disgrace" and stating that "the only thing Morrison is expert in is betrayal."
Morrison, Australia's 30th Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, revealed after his 2022 election loss that he had secretly been sworn into several ministerial portfolios without public notification during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stepped down from politics in early 2024 after serving 18 months on the backbench. Prior to this new role, Morrison also served as vice-chair of American Global Strategies and as non-executive chair of Space Centre Australia.