Former prime minister Scott Morrison has joked about his weight loss after a bronze bust of him was unveiled in Ballarat’s Prime Ministers Avenue, a long-running tribute in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens honouring Australia’s national leaders.
The bust was officially revealed this week, marking Morrison as the 30th prime minister to be included in the historic collection, which began in 1940 with the first six prime ministers commemorated in bronze.
Local MP John McCracken said it was a pleasure to attend the unveiling alongside the former prime minister, describing it as a “wonderful celebration” and praising the work of the City of Ballarat in maintaining the historic avenue. He encouraged visitors to see the latest addition to the Prime Ministers Walk.
Speaking at the unveiling, Morrison reflected on his time in office and said the demands of leadership had taken a visible toll during his tenure, joking that he now looked noticeably different from the time captured in the sculpture.
“The job of prime minister can be crushing, and it can make you look like that, rather than looking like this now,” he said, referring to the bust.
“I’ve shed a few pounds since back then… that’s the demands of the job.”
The bust was created by sculptor Martin Moore, who said he felt honoured to have his work included among Australia’s prime ministerial tributes. He met Morrison twice to take photographs and measurements, including on the former leader’s final day in parliament.
Moore said he aimed to capture Mr Morrison’s expression and recognisable character, noting his “instantly recognisable grin”.
The Ballarat Prime Ministers Avenue in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is regarded as a site of national historical significance, showcasing bronze busts of Australia’s leaders in a tree-lined public space.
Morrison said it was an honour to be included in the collection and reflected on the shared experience of leadership across all prime ministers represented in the avenue, acknowledging their public service and sacrifices. He also thanked organisers and the City of Ballarat for preserving the tradition and encouraged the public to visit the display and view the latest addition.
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