Veterans’ Affairs Minister Andrew Gee has revealed he sought a briefing on the redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial days after being appointed to federal cabinet, sparked in part by strong community opposition to the half-billion-dollar project.

Mr Gee replaced dumped veterans’ minister Darren Chester after last month’s Nationals leadership spill. His move to switch support to Barnaby Joyce was critical to the ouster of former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack.