The chairman of the body advising the federal government on the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is receiving $500,000 for six months of work.
Former chief executive of iron ore giant Fortescue Metals Nev Power's salary, to cover travel and accommodation costs, was made public at a Senate inquiry on Wednesday.
The National COVID-19 Coordination Commission, made up of handpicked business leaders and former bureaucrats, will cost about $3 million a year and has been set up for an initial six months.
Industry chiefs on the commission are also being paid $2,000 a day, the Senate inquiry heard.
One of the five commissioners is choosing not to be paid, three are working two days a week, and another just one day.
It was established in mid-March to provide the federal government with advice on all non-health aspects of the pandemic.
Head of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission Nev Power. Source: AAP
Alongside Mr Power, the commission also includes former Telstra chief David Thodey, ANZ board member Jane Halton, Toll founder Paul Little, Energy Australia CEO and Reserve Bank board member Catherine Tanna and former ACTU chief Greg Combet.
When setting up the body, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it would ensure the government received "comprehensive advice to meet the challenges ahead to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus and help build a bridge to recovery".
The commission's focus has been supporting businesses and workers to safely return to work under a newly-proposed framework of national COVID-19 safe workplace principles.
It is also working with shopping centre management groups to plan for the return of shoppers as more Australians begin to venture out of their homes.
Mr Power was among the first to flag that universities could have the opportunity to work with government to map out a plan to resume the entry of international students to Australia.
The impact of coronavirus restrictions has already resulted in a devastating blow on businesses, .
It's also seen almost 1 million Australians lose their jobs.
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If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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With AAP .
