Scott Cam’s taxpayer-funded role as careers ambassador has come under fire

Scott Cam pocketed $145,000 in just four months – but has attended just one event in his controversial role as national career ambassador.

The government's national career ambassador, celebrity tradie Scott Cam, has pocketed more than $145,000 from his role so far – but the Gold Logie winner has only attended one event since October.

The sole appearance of The Block star was at the press conference alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Skills Minister Michaelia Cash to announce his appointment.

At the conference Senator Cash said Cam’s pay for the 15-month role was “commercial in confidence” but it was later revealed to be $345,000.

Skills Department officials told Senate estimates on Thursday Cam had also appeared in three short videos, made four social media posts and had a profile on a Government website.

Senator Cash defended Cam’s work, saying his job was about influencing people’s views of vocational education and training.

“It’s about using that profile to draw people’s attention into what otherwise they may not actually give any notice to,” she told the committee.

The one event that Mr Cam has appeared at for the role. Picture: James Gourley/AAP

Despite the videos, Cam has only posted about his role a total of four times on his personal social media page.

When Mr Cam’s appointment was announced it was as part of a $585.3 million package to help train highly skilled and qualified workers.

This was despite a report last year from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research that found funding for TAGE and training was cut by $326 million the year before.

Skills and training deputy secretary Nadine Williams said his pay packet wasn’t a salary and his role was to raise the profile of vocational training.

“Mr Cam has been contracted to do a range of activities that are designed to raise the profile of VET and designed to raise the profile of careers advice more generally,” she said.

Senator Cash also told estimates the celebrity builder would host the Australian Training Awards in November.

“It is literally the Logies of training awards,” she said.

It was also promised Cam would appear at eight events this year, including one with Senator Cash next week.

“Like The Block, we’re going to have to wait for the reveal,” Labor senator Deborah O’Neill said.

However Senator Cash said Labor’s characterisation of the contract was “unfair” given he had also worked for the Labor government.

In 2009 the Labor government paid $74,250 for Mr Cam to appear at Centrelink Job Expos and a further $76,500 in 2011.

With AAP