The Sauce: Don Harwin lands on his feet again with new federal gig

Which Liberal has been given a job by Albo? What furry fun is cat-loving MP Jordan Lane up to? And which MP’s entry into the ministerial drivers’ logs raised questions? The Sauce is here.

The Albanese government loves a moderate Liberal.

After appointing former NSW minister Matt Kean to the role of chair of the Climate Change Authority, it has now given his former moderate colleague Don Harwin a job at a national museum.

Harwin, who is like a cat with nine lives, was arts minister in the Gladys Berejiklian government before he resigned amid criticism over his alleged breach of lockdown restrictions after being spotted at his Pearl Beach holiday house.

Liberal state party president Don Harwin has joined the board of the Australian National Maritime Museum. Picture: David Swift

His $1000 infringement was later dismissed in court, with Glad reinstating her moderate numbers man back to cabinet, only for Harwin to quit the frontbench the following year and later exit parliament.

Last year, Harwin took on the role of NSW Liberal Party president only for the federal Liberal Party to take over the troubled state executive after a council nominations fiasco, which cost state director Richard Shields his job.

Shields blamed Harwin and the limited secretariat resources for the paperwork bungle.

While some Libs claim Harwin is still “technically” state party president, he has also now joined the Board of the Australian National Maritime Museum.

BEST DRESSED CAT

Cat-loving Liberal MP Jordan Lane is at it again.

Famous for wheeling his fluffy feline around the cafes of his Ryde electorate in a pram, Lane is now asking his constituents to dress up their cats for Easter.

Liberal MP Jordan Lane and his cat head out for brunch.

With a prize of an Easter “goodie basket”, Lane wants people to post photos of their cats – or dogs or birds – “dressed up for Easter”.

For those without a pet, Lane suggests dressing up a “favourite stuffed toy”.

“Whether its bunny ears on your dog, a chick-themed outfit for your cat, or a plush toy decked out in its Easter best, we want to see them all!” he posted.

Lane promised to announce the winner on April 14.

LOG OFF

It was an intriguing entry in the recently released ministerial drivers’ logs.

The car booking lists show Deputy Liberal leader Natalie Ward booked a car for her former colleague John Sidoti after he had stood down from his ministerial duties and quit the Liberal Party amid an ICAC inquiry into his property dealings.

However, Ward’s spokesman told The Sauce it appeared to be an entry error with his boss “categorically” ruling out ever hiring a car for the ex-Liberal.

DINNER DATES

They were on – then off – now back on again.

After Cyclone Alfred blew away Albo’s plans of an April 12 election — forcing him to present a full Budget on March 25 rather than a nothing-to-see-here economic statement — Budget fundraising dinners are back in full swing.

The Coalition Budget Reply dinner is being held at The Realm on the Thursday, with the Labor Budget dinner being held on the day on Tuesday.

To bring it all together, there will also be the annual “insiders” Speakers Reception hosted by Milton Dick on the Wednesday.

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