Scott Morrison is playing golf more after losing his job as prime minister to Anthony Albanese

Scott Morrison is looking forward to improving his golf game as he adjusts to life away from leading the country.

The former prime minister gave his first television interview to Sky News’ Paul Murray since losing the May 21 federal election, which aired on Monday night.

He opened up about enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle in the Sutherland Shire, in south Sydney, with his wife Jenny and their daughters Abbey and Lily.

‘I’ve started playing golf again, I haven’t picked up a club in about 15 years,’ Mr Morrison said.

‘I’ve sort of picked up the bug a bit so hopefully my swing will be good.’

Mr Morrison said he was also excited about putting more energy into his role as the local member for Cook.

‘I will be doing a bit more of things, possibly, you know, in addition to my parliamentary responsibilities, which many members of parliament do,’ he said.

His salary took a major cut when Anthony Albanese took over as the new PM, with Mr Morrison’s income going from $500,000 to $211,250.

In the interview, conducted at the Wanda Surf Club overlooking the water in Cronulla, Mr Morrison admitted he ‘deeply regrets’ the cost his time in the top job had on his family.

In a candid admission, he said his wife and two daughters made ‘sacrifices’ during his turbulent time as PM but said he had no regrets about the decisions he made while leading Australia.

‘That’s the cost and it’s a big cost and painful cost for them and for those who are politicians,’ Mr Morrison said.

‘But as (former PM) Tony Abbott used to say ”we’re volunteers and they’re conscripts” and that’s probably one of the truest things Tony’s ever said, very wise.’

After taking over from Malcolm Turnbull as prime minister in 2018, Mr Morrison saw his time in office defined by controversies.

He found himself in hot water in late 2019 when he was spotted in Hawaii during the Black Summer bushfire crisis in 2019-20.

Mr Morrison then battled with the unprecedented Covid pandemic, which saw Australia close its borders in March 2020.

His handling of both disasters was called into question by his opponents, but an even more contentious scandal has erupted since he left office.

It was recently revealed Mr Morrison secretly gave himself the powers to act as health minister, finance minister, resources minister, home affairs minister and treasurer in 2020 and 2021 – a move criticized on all sides of politics for being undemocratic.

But Mr Morrison said the ‘tempest’ of the Covid pandemic was now being judged by those who are ‘safely on shore’.

‘Many people thought I had powers that I didn’t have, ironically, given recent events. And the powers that I did have they aren’t happy I used them,’ he said.

‘What I’m not into is getting engaged in the to-and-fro of the political circus of this and that and arguing this and that and responding to this criticism or to someone having a sledge at you.

‘OK they’re having a big crack at me, I’m just not engaging in it.

‘I think someone’s just got to break the circuit here. I could respond to this claim, this accusation, and this slur … but I don’t wish to do that, I’m not bitter, I’m thankful, I’m grateful.’

Labor seized on the scandal with former high court justice Virginia Bell to lead an inquiry set up by the Albanian government.

Mr Morrison apologized for ‘offending’ his colleagues, but he has remained defiant in defending his actions as necessary.

‘At all times I was trying to do what was best for the country,’ Mr Morrison said.

Asked if he should have apologized sooner, Mr Morrison said ‘I’ve explained the situation and I don’t expect everybody to agree.’