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

BBC 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."

However, Anthony Albanese, the prime minister, has called his activities a "power grab."

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.

According to reports, the majority of ministers were not aware that they were sharing portfolios with Mr Morrison and he has been widely criticised, including by close colleagues.

Mr Morrison - 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.