A last-minute government rush to fill plum Administrative Appeals Tribunal jobs with Coalition loyalists has been blasted as "jobs for mates", and referred to the nation's accountability watchdog.
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Independent senator Rex Patrick criticised the appointment of six former Coalition politicians and staffers to the AAT as "a desperate government dealing out one final round of favours", and has asked the Auditor-General to investigate.
Attorney-General Michaelia Cash on Tuesday conceded six of the appointments were not recommended by the AAT president, but insisted all were qualified and no rules were broken.
Senator Cash also claimed a gas executive with no legal qualifications, a former staffer to Nationals leader Warren Truss, was suitable for the AAT because she "can work under pressure".
Senator Patrick accused the Coalition of paying "lip service" to merits processes, while proving they had little regard for due process.
He has written to the Auditor-General demanding an investigation into the "process, or lack thereof" behind the appointments, including how the roles were advertised and candidates were shortlisted.
"This final round of appointments looks too much like jobs for mates in the most politically shameless manner, and perhaps a last minute attempt to entrench Coalition supporters within government agencies and decision making in the event of a Labor victory," he said.
"[It] bears all the hallmarks of a desperate government dealing out one final round of favours and rorts for its friends and allies."
Six of the 19 new appointments were not recommended by the AAT president and four do not have legal training, though Senator Cash insisted no rules were broken.
Former Liberal NSW minister Pru Goward, who worked as sex discrimination commissioner under John Howard, is set for an annual salary of between $329,930 and $391,940 after being appointed a senior member.
Former Liberal WA attorney-general Michael Mischin is set to earn $496,560 as AAT deputy president.
Senator Cash also defended the appointment of oil gas executive Cheryl Cartwright, former chief of staff to then-Nationals leader Warren Truss, who will earn between $193,990 and $249,420.
"I don't believe she is legally qualified, but I would argue that as a CEO of the Australian Pipeline and Gas Association, she is someone who is able to work under pressure," Senator Cash said.
A 2019 review of the AAT by former High Court Justice Ian Callinan found members, who made rulings on a number of vexed issues, should have legal qualifications.
A number of members also expressed concern over what they viewed as political appointments.
