Senator Scott Ryan has asked questions about a Conflict query over Henry’s adviser role.
THE Federal Opposition says former Treasury secretary Ken Henry’s appointment as a special adviser to the Prime Minister may conflict with his role as a member of the National Australia Bank board.
Dr Henry was appointed in April as a special adviser to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and in September was given the task of writing a white paper on Australia in the Asian Century.
The former Treasury chief, who is on paid long-service leave, has also been appointed to the NAB board from November 1.
Speaking at a Senate estimates hearing yesterday, Liberal senator Scott Ryan asked whether it would be a conflict of interest if Dr Henry examined the banking system for the white paper review.
Labor frontbencher Chris Evans told the hearing potential conflicts had been dealt with in the arrangement with Dr Henry.
This included a code of conduct, and the agreements between the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and Dr Henry, Senator Evans said.
AAP