Turnbull asked to front reef grant inquiry

A committee looking at a controversial Great Barrier Reef grant has asked Malcolm Turnbull to provide evidence.

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has been asked to appear at an inquiry into a $444 million grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Inquiry chair Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson said on Thursday his committee had resolved to write to Mr Turnbull - who quit parliament in the wake of losing the Liberal leadership, to attend a hearing.

Mr Turnbull was a key figure in approving the controversial grant which Labor has flagged it would rescind if elected to government.