Questions raised over whether Don Harwin complied with Ministerial Code of Conduct

Questions have been raised about whether former NSW minister Don Harwin breached conduct rules when he took his new job on the Australia Council board.

Questions have been raised about whether former minister Don Harwin complied with the Ministerial Code of Conduct when he took his new job on the Australia Council board.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Mr Harwin did not seek advice from the Parliamentary ethics Adviser before accepting the job even though it related to his former Arts portfolio.

Under the Ministerial Code of Conduct, ministers considering accepting a new job within 18 months of losing their portfolio must “obtain the advice of the Parliamentary Ethics Adviser” if the role relates to their portfolio responsibilities.

Former Arts Minister Don Harwin. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Mr Harwin said he did not “feel the need” to get advice because he understood the rules didn’t apply to commonwealth government positions.

He cited a provision in the rules which says advice is not required when former ministers are considering job offers from “the State of NSW or an agency representing the state”.

“The general approach is to see Commonwealth boards and Commonwealth employment in the same light as employment by the State,” he said.

The Parliamentary Ethics Adviser declined to give The Daily Telegraph specific advice on the matter.

Mr Harwin said his job does not involve commercial interests.

“Other than the extremely modest allowance I get there’s nothing in it for me either,” he said.

The Daily Telegraph previously reported that Mr Harwin is likely to be earning around $40,000 a year for the board role.

Don Harwin left politics to accept a job on the Australia Council board. Picture NCA Newswire / Dylan Coker

Liberal sources questioned why Mr Harwin would not seek advice on his job offer, even just to confirm he was in the clear.

Labor’s Arts spokesman Walt Secord said Mr Harwin’s decision not to seek advice was in contrast to other Ministers who quit politics.

“Former ministers and fellow colleagues of Don Harwin over the last few years sought advice from the ethics Adviser on potential appointments,” he said.

“Mr Harwin should have followed the same path and sought advice from the NSW Parliament’s ethics Adviser on the position before accepting,” Mr Secord said.

Rumour has it that Angus Taylor could be the leaders rep on state exec