Why the prime minister didn’t know, and why no one thought to tell him, has proved one of the most damaging hurdles for Morrison to navigate. Morrison has insisted his office was not aware of the allegations until 12 February, three days before the story went public and he himself was made aware when it was first published by News Corp on 15 February. But a growing number of people who work in the prime minister’s inner sanctum have been revealed as being aware of the allegations, due to their previous roles within the government.
Source: Rape scandal at the heart of Australia’s parliament leaves PM exposed
Here’s a theory: Morrison told people that he didn’t want to know so he could avoid responsibility. Because avoiding responsibility is Morrison’s mode of operation.