The former federal president of the Liberal party, Shane Stone, will be paid more than $500,000 a year to oversee flood recovery efforts in rural Queensland.

Stone, a former chief minister of the Northern Territory, was appointed to head the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency in March.

The government gazetted information about the position on Thursday, including it would attract a $434,690 salary with a $100,000 loading. In total, the package is comparable with the prime minister, Scott Morrison, who is paid $538,000 a year.

Australia’s top public servants were paid packages worth about $875,000 last financial year.

‘Full of Liberal mates’: Labor accuses Coalition of 'stacking' tribunal Read more

Stone’s appointment was among several, in the final months of the Morrison government, with links to the Coalition. Guardian Australia reported last week that one in five of appointments during the final two weeks had links. Stone has been contacted for comment.



The flooding, which came after seven years of drought, turned the Gulf Country and parts of western Queensland into a massive inland lake.



The most recent estimates are the flood killed 664,000 head of cattle, and would cost about $2bn to agricultural communities.



The agency is tasked with developing a long-term plan for recovery and reconstruction, and to coordinate assistance for farmers. Stone reports directly to the prime minister.

Christian Porter appoints aspiring Liberal candidate to tribunal Read more

A statement announcing his appointment said Stone had a “close working relationship” with the NT cattle industry during his time in the Territory.



“Having grown up in Wodonga on the NSW/Victorian border Mr Stone understands the quiet strength of country Australians who work hard to give their families a decent life and look out for each other in the good and not-so-good times.



He believes a person should be regarded for their deeds and not their possessions, an ethos that has guided him personally and professionally.



”This ethos, and his extensive experience, position Mr Stone well to lead the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency.”