Re-elected Prime Minister Scott Morrison will get down to business as soon as possible—but not before going to church and watching his beloved rugby league team the Cronulla Sharks.
Scott Morrison has given thanks to Australians after pulling off an extraordinary election win.
The prime minister went to church with wife Jenny on Sunday morning after celebrating the miracle victory, and spent the afternoon at the footy.
“I give thanks to live in the greatest country in all the world,” he told reporters outside the Horizon Church. “Thanks again to all Australians all across the country.”
Hugging members of the church congregation, Morrison praised his local community and team of volunteers.
“They have stayed with me ever since I was first elected to parliament in 2007,” he said. “You don’t get to be prime minister and serve in that capacity unless you are first a member of your local electorate.”
Pastor Andrew Evans, a former South Australian state politician who founded the Family First party, ministered the service on Sunday morning.
World leaders were quick to congratulate Morrison on his re-election.
The 51-year-old received a congratulatory phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump earlier on Sunday. Trump called the result a “great win!”
According to the White House, the two leaders reaffirmed the “critical importance” of the long-standing alliance and friendship between the United States and Australia, and they pledged to continue their close cooperation on shared priorities.
French President Emmanuel Macron and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have also offered their congratulations directly.
He is expected to speak to UK Prime Minister Theresa May in coming days.
Overnight, the prime minister received a rapturous reception after defying the pundits in a come-from-behind victory.
“I have always believed in miracles,” he told jubilant Liberal supporters in Sydney on Saturday night, with his wife and two daughters by his side.
“I’m standing with the three biggest miracles of my life here tonight and tonight we have been delivered another one.”
How good is Australia! How good are Australians! Thank you! 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/i41QRz5Roz
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) May 18, 2019
When you meet someone amazing, never let them go. Build a life together and give thanks for every day you share. So thankful to be sharing this one with you Jen, as always. Love Scott💗 pic.twitter.com/nsm2g03r7S
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) May 18, 2019
Hundreds of Liberal diehards who packed into the ballroom of the Sofitel Hotel erupted in deafening delight when Morrison entered the room around midnight.
But the prime minister declared the surprise election result a victory for “quiet Australians.”
“It’s always been about them.”
Morrison, who became prime minister less than nine months ago after the Liberal Party rolled Malcolm Turnbull, is hungry to get back to work.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do. We’re going to get back to work for the Australians that we know go to work every day, who face those struggles and trials every day,” he said.
“They’re looking for a fair go and they’re having a go and they’re going to get a go from our government.”
The coalition will be returned to government after winning at least 74 of the 76 seats needed to form a majority in parliament.
A number of seats are still in doubt, but Morrison acknowledged those candidates who defied the odds to buck expected defeats.
He singled out the Sunshine State, where Labor failed to make an impact.
“How good’s Queensland?” he said, to chants of Queensland from the crowd.
“I never thought I’d hear that in this room in NSW this close to Origin.”
Morrison capped off the fairytale weekend by watching the Cronulla Sharks play at home in the Sutherland Shire.
Heading into the ground, the prime minister was hopeful the team drew inspiration from his upset win.
“I hope so—they sent me some inspiration yesterday before the election,” he told reporters.
“I always fully support them, and it’s so nice they support me.”
By Daniel McCulloch. With additional reporting from The Associated Press.
