Coronavirus: Red-faced retraction over inquiry chief Neville Power’s pay

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has had to issue an embarrassing retraction over Neville Power’s remuneration package.

Executive chairman of the National COVID-19 Co-ordination Commission Neville Power. Picture: Getty Images

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has had to issue an embarrassing retraction after associa­te secretary Stephanie Foster­ told a Senate inquiry the executive chairman of the National COVID-19 Co-ordination Commission was receiving $500,000 in taxpayer funds for the role.

At a Senate inquiry into the Morrison government’s response to the coronavirus on Wednesday it was heard that former Fortescue Metals chief executive Neville Power, who was appointed to the job in March, was being paid $500,000 for the full-time position over the next six months.

On Wednesday night, it was reveale­d that this sum was a gross inflation of Mr Power’s remuneration package, which was in fact expected to be $267,345. 

“Mr Power’s flights, accommodation and other incidental travel costs are being covered in his role as NCCC chair (but) he is not receiving­ a salary,” the department said. 

PM&C said it had determined the figure by estimating that Mr Power’s travel to and from Canberra would cost $6000 per return trip, with $350 a night for accommodation and incidentals. 

“It is expected that Mr Power will perform his duties as chair of the NCCC for a period of approximately six months. This equates to $267,345 (plus GST).”

Earlier, when questioned whether remote working had been factored into Mr Power’s remun­er­ation package, Ms Foster confirmed he had “largely been working in Canberra”.

Mr Power is joined on the committee by chief executive Paul ­Little and deputy chairman David Thodey, as well as Greg Combet, Jane Halton and Catherine Tanna.

The inquiry heard three commissioners were working two days a week, while another works one day a week. Andrew Liveris, who is a special adviser to the commission, is not paid, but the others are receiving a rate of $2000 a day.