Foreign Affairs officials have confirmed former Coalition minister Philip Ruddock has been double dipping - receiving his full parliamentary pension of more than $200,000 a year on top of his pay as Australia's human rights representative.
Former members and senators usually have their parliamentary pension reduced if they are appointed to paid government positions.
But DFAT officials confirmed today at Senate Estimates that Mr Ruddock objected to having his pension cut, and had been paid both the pension, and salary, in full, up until a Remuneration Tribunal decision on February 13.
WONG: Does that mean the reduction in Special Envoy Ruddocks pension only dates from the dates of the Remuneration Tribunal?
DR LACHLAN STRAHAN: Yes
Mr Ruddocks payment is in stark contrast to the arrangement for the former Ambassador for Women and Girls, former Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, whose pension was adjusted as a result of her government salary.
WONG: He continued to receive both and she didnt is that right?
STRAHAN: Yes
DFAT admitted it only became aware of the inconsistency in payment arrangement between the two envoys when Labor raised the issue at Estimates last year, prompting the reference to the Remuneration Tribunal.
Department officials also declined to reveal how much Mr Ruddock has been paid in his new role, and also had to take on notice a question about what meetings Mr Ruddock has held with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to report back on his now seven overseas trips during his 12 months as envoy.
At Estimates last year DFAT justified Mr Ruddocks double dipping on the grounds that because he bears the title of envoy, it doesn't have an impact on his pension.
This is despite section 111 113 of the Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Scheme setting our clear guidelines regarding former Members still benefitting from the Crown to have their pension reduced commensurate with their current remuneration.