Updated
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says “our home will always be in the shire” despite his family moving over the weekend to Kiirribilli House on the edge of Sydney Harbour.
The Leader revealed on Saturday the family had moved from their Port Hacking home, but would maintain as far as possible their Sutherland Shire connections, including the girls continuing to attend the same independent school.
Mr Morrison spoke to the Leader on Monday about the move and has also written to constituents in the Cook electorate.
“The shire is where all our family memories are where we will continue to have strong connections – schools, sport the beach and all those things,” he told the Leader.
However, they had also had to consider “the practicalities, such as having an official residence, the significant security requirements and the logistics, particularly as a young family”.
“We always knew it would be a necessary decision at some point,” he said.
“We haven’t rushed in because there were other priorities.
“There was no suggestion of moving to Canberra – we are trying to keep things as normal as possible.
“We are still going to be firmly focused around the local community because that’s where the girls’ friends are and that where Jenny’s friends are.”
Mr Morrison watched the Sharks-Storm NRL final with a group at the Highfield Caringbah hotel on Friday night.
“It wasn’t our night,” he said.
”I think some big injuries caught up with us and some things didn’t go our way.
“I know the players would be disappointed, but they put in a great effort.”
Mr Morrison said the positives were that the Sharks were now regularly in the finals and the club was in a very strong position, which was “a great tribute to the payers, Flanno and the officials”.
“Its great to have wins, which I enjoy, as everyone knows but equally it’s just great the club‘s role in the community has never been stronger,” he said.
Mr Morrison’s letter to Cook constituents, signed ScoMo, reads:
“Our house in the shire is a typical family home. It has a mortgage, it needs a bit of work and no front fence.
“Neighbours and friends have always been able to just walk up and say hello as we’ve sat on the front verandah. That’s how we like it.
“Our home is where our best family memories are. BBQ’s birthdays, curry nights with friends and family.
“While our house in Port Hacking has been great for us as a family, sadly we can’t make it work in my new role as PM. For security and convenience, the sensible thing for us to do as a family is to relocate to Kirribilli House, which is set up for the job. This will also be more convenient for our neighbours, who we will miss.
“While our address will change, our home will remain in the shire.
“Our involvement in the local community will continue.
“Our church, the girls‘ sport and school, swimming at Wanda, Shark Park, movies at Miranda, all of this will stay the same.
“It’s has always been an incredible honour to be the member for Cook, and to now serve as your PM is incredibly humbling.
“I will take the lessons and values of our community into the job.
“Finally, as a a family, me and Jen are so very appreciative of all the kind notes, texts, letters, emails, cards and hugs we have received wishing us well. I won’t let you down.”
Earlier
Two removalist vans caused quite a stir in a quiet Port Hacking street on Friday.
On their arrival, they were met by a team of federal police, with passers-by kept at a distance.
Australia’s new first family were on the move.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, his wife Jenny and their daughters Abbey and Lily have moved to Kirribilli House, on the edge of Sydney Harbour.
However, the family will still maintain as far as possible their Sutherland Shire connections, including the girls continuing to attend the same independent school.
As the MP for Cook, Mr Morrison will also have his normal electoral duties.
Security reasons were cited for the move, which was planned for the school holidays but was brought forward for reasons that are unknown.
Maintaining 24-7 security at the family home would require a lot of resources and neighbours would also be impacted.
