The nation's parliament censured former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for granting himself hidden powers while in office.

BBC News reported that the historic motion comes in response to a stinging assessment that claimed his actions "corroded faith in government."

It's the first time the House of Representatives has censured a former prime minister.

Mr. Morrison has defended his appointment to multiple ministries, labelling the criticism from opponents as "retribution."

In the two years prior to his loss of power in May, it was revealed that Mr. Morrison had served as a joint minister for health, finance, treasury, home affairs, and resources.

The majority of ministers were not aware that Mr. Morrison shared their portfolios, and he has received harsh criticism, including from close friends and colleagues.

Morrison, who is now a backbench MP - has said the decisions were made amid the "extraordinary times" of the pandemic.

An investigation found his appointments were legal, and that he used his extra powers only once - to overrule a minister in a matter unrelated to the pandemic.

But it ruled Mr Morrison "fundamentally undermined" responsible government. Another inquiry found that most of his appointments had "little if any connection to the pandemic".