Federal Labor has questioned the impartiality of a newly-appointed Australia Post director ahead of him headlining a Liberal-National Party fundraiser.
Former LNP president Bruce McIver was appointed a non-executive director of the board last December after it was ticked off by cabinet.
But later in February Mr McIver will headline a testimonial dinner with former prime minister John Howard. The invitation states it is a fundraising event for the upcoming federal election.
Labor senator Sam Dastyari cited guidelines for government business enterprises that say boards should "avoid activities that could give rise to questions about their political impartiality".
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield disputed that interpretation, saying the guidelines relate to the actions of the enterprise itself.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"It's a farewell function ... and it's not connected to his activities as a director," he said.
Senator Dastyari disagreed, saying Mr McIver should pull out of the function.
The Australia Post board has not met since his appointment, but one is scheduled for February 25 the day before the testimonial dinner.
