The character's early storylines saw him clash with Martin Ashford (George Mason) and help save the life of Summer Bay stalwart Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher).

During the witness protection storyline, Justin is reunited with his daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas), and he develops a relationship with Phoebe Nicholson (Isabella Giovinazzo), to whom he later becomes engaged.

Later storylines have seen Justin begin a relationship with Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts), endure Ava's kidnapping, and targeted in a revenge campaign by Ebony Harding (Cariba Heine).

[4] Ahead of his screen debut, Stewart said his character's biggest strengths are "his love for his family and the lengths he'll go to, to protect them from their past.

[6] Justin is driving his brothers to Summer Bay to meet up with their sister Tori, when they are almost involved in a car crash with Martin "Ash" Ashford (George Mason), who swerves across the road.

Justin is initially annoyed that his sister interfered in his life, but when he gets out on Alf's boat, The Blaxland, he eventually sees that the job is a good opportunity for him.

[10] Upon their introduction, an Inside Soap columnist stated that the Morgans appeared to live a normal life, but they had "a dangerous past" and no one was allowed to know who they really were.

[8] The family initially keep to themselves, and Justin warns Tori against befriending local doctor Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor).

[13] While Brody, Justin and Tori are arguing, Mason leaves the house to meet Lara, who has been working for Spike and Blaine Varden (Ashley Lyons), the man who killed the siblings' parents.

[14] Stewart explained to Ali Cromarty of TV Week that Justin was "heavily involved" with his father's activities, but he has no idea what book Spike is talking about.

Justin receives a warning from Spike that he has sabotaged the private plane Duncan Stewart (Benedict Wall) has chartered for Tori's birthday trip.

Constable Kat Chapman (Pia Miller) and Ash, who have followed Justin, manage to rescue Raffy, but Spike drives off with Hope.

[20] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy pointed out "sudden name changes might confuse fans..."[20] Seven months after their arrival, the Morgan's witness protection secret is revealed to the rest of the Bay in the Coastal News.

[22] Producers then introduced new surgeon and Tori's former boyfriend, Riley Hawkins (Ryan O'Kane), to the storyline, as he steps in to perform the operation.

"[26] However, as Justin and his family are being targeted by criminals, Giovinazzo said Phoebe had to be smart about the situation, which meant possibly putting their relationship on hold.

[27] Producers tested the relationship again by introducing Justin's estranged daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas), who he had to give up when he went into witness protection.

[30] Justin attempts to tell Phoebe how he feels and he makes a speech "from the heart", which causes her to change her mind and accept his proposal.

[31] Phoebe's friend Donna Fields (Melissa Bonne) invites her to join a tour in the United States, and Justin plans to go with her.

However, when he learns Brody is at the police station due to another incident involving his drug addiction, Justin realises he cannot leave the Bay.

[33] Stewart told Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap that having Ava back in his life "means everything" to Justin, and when she calls him "dad" for the first time, it really affects him.

Her estranged husband Caleb Snow (Josh McConville) sends a private investigator to find her, prompting Justin to get her out of the Bay for a while.

[37] Upon her return, Scarlett gets drunk as she struggles to deal with the anniversary of her son's death, leading Justin to walk her home.

He also believed a moment from the previous year, in which a drunk Justin made a romantic advance towards Leah, was the producers' "testing the waters" for the relationship.

[60] For his portrayal of Justin, Stewart was nominated for Best Actor at the Digital Spy Reader Awards; he received 1% of the total vote.

[62] The following year, Justin and Willow received a nomination for Best Soap Couple at the Digital Spy Reader Awards; they came in last place with 1% of the total vote.

[67] A South Wales Echo reporter criticised Justin's actions before his collapse, stating "If you're on the mend and planning a romantic dinner, don't rush things or you could jeopardise your recuperation.

"[25] Of Phoebe's temporary departure, a New Idea columnist commented "It may be just for a week, but things have a tendency of falling apart for these two lovebirds faster than you can say 'flamin' galah'!

"[32] Johnathon Hughes of the Radio Times thought "the chemistry is evident" between Justin and Scarlett, and added "surely it can't be long before they end up in bed for real?

"[71] In November 2021, three critics for The West Australian placed Justin at number 31 in their feature on the "Top 50 heroes we love and villains we hate" from Home and Away from the past 30 years.

Fiercely protective of his brood, Justin's a trouble magnet and has been embroiled in some fairly spectacular scrapes, stoushes and scandals over the years.