Australia election: Why national security is no longer a key advantage for PM Scott Morrison

Defence is a crucial issue that the ruling coalition falls back on in times of trouble but surveys show the public is more focused on livelihoods and climate change

Despite strong economic growth, Morrison is also facing criticism over stalled wages and rising cost of living

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison poses next to a patrol boat in Perth on April 18. Photo: AAP Image via AP

Published: 9:46am, 21 Apr 2022

Standing in front of a camouflaged tank this month soon before kicking off Australia’s election campaign, Prime Minister Scott Morrison touted his record on an issue that conservative leaders have long seen as an advantage at the polls.

His government was “investing in the strength and security of our nation” during “a very uncertain time,” Morrison said at the groundbreaking ceremony of a factory to build howitzer artillery vehicles outside Melbourne.

He claimed the opposition Labor party had previously opposed construction of the weaponry, suggesting they shouldn’t be trusted on national security issues.

“We said we would get this done when others walked away,” Morrison said. “We are getting it done.”

Along with the economy and immigration, national security is one of the major issues that the ruling Liberal-National coalition – in power since 2013 – falls back on in times of trouble. Before the campaign, government advisers saw the geopolitical volatility in the wake of Russia’s war in Ukraine as helping him pull off another come-from-behind victory.