Morrison sends Malcolm and Lucy his love
Scott Morrison says he is disappointed Malcolm Turnbull is not sticking around until the next election, but says he is happy that the former prime minister is walking away from the madness of politics and all of the "nonsense" that has occurred.
Mr Turnbull will retire from politics on Friday after being overthrown last week.
"Malcolm has been a dear and close friend to me for a very long period of time and he has served his country well and grandly," Mr Morrison told reporters in Jakarta on Friday.
"He'll be well remembered I believe over time as a prime minister who delivered some very big things for Australia."
Mr Morrison counts the Snowy Hydro 2.0 scheme and Western Sydney Airport among his predecessor's proudest achievements.
"There will be time enough to go through those on other occasions," he said.
"But right now I just want to send to my friend Malcolm, and to Lucy, and to their entire family all my best wishes and all my love."
Mr Morrison well remembers how much his predecessor liked to talk about love.
"Well, mate, love's coming right back at you Malcolm, and I want to wish all the best to you and the time that you're going to have with your family now," he said.
"And to be able to get out of the madness of politics and all that sort of nonsense that occurred, and to be able to refresh and reset.
"You deserve that mate, you absolutely deserve that. You've served our country well, and on behalf of our country as prime minister, I just want to say thanks."
