NBN Co to up headcount as Kaiser appointment slammed

Communications Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy came under fire during the Senate session, accused of using his influence to appoint Mike Kaiser, who is also a former Queensland Labor MP, to the role of NBN Co government relations officer with a salary of $450,000 per year.

"I suggested him [Kaiser] as a person of possible relevant experience," Conroy said.

Quigley revealed at the hearing that Kaiser was the sole candidate and the job was not advertised.

Opposition communications spokesperson, Tony Smith, has lashed out at the admission in comments given to Computerworld.

"This raises serious questions about the NBN Co's employment and management processes, and the level of political involvement and interference by the Rudd Government," he said. "It is not the job of the Minister to suggest potential jobs for Labor mates at NBN Co."