Scott Cam’s $350k ambassador role comes under fire
The Morrison government has defended TV tradesman Scott Cam’s $350,000 role as national careers ambassador amid revelations that the Gold Logie winner has only attended one event.
The federal government enlisted the host of Nine’s The Block for the 18-month contract job in October 2019 to promote trade apprenticeships and education.
Senate Estimates heard that Cam’s sole public appearance since taking the gig has been at a media conference to announce his appointment alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Skills Minister Michaelia Cash.
The Department of Education, Employment and Skills said Cam has also published a total of four social media posts and been involved in three National Career Institute videos.
“Mr Cam has published social media posts – which is Facebook and Instagram. He reaches more than 113,000 followers,” said the department’s first assistant secretary Matthew Hardy.
Shadow Minister for Education and Training Tanya Plibersek questioned whether the six-figure salary was worth it.
“Given Mr Morrison’s marketing experience, does he consider that value for money?” she said.
“Scott Cam’s a good bloke, but if the Liberals were serious about fixing the tradie shortage they’ve created, they’d stop hiring celebrities and start funding TAFE and apprentices.”
Cash defended Cam’s role, citing his “profile” and “influence”.
“[We are] utilising his profile, and in particular his story, what happened when he left school, what he did with his apprenticeship, how he has gone on to have different careers, run a small business, employ people and become the successful household name that he is,” she said.
“It is actually the influence that that then had of drawing people in and raising awareness.”
Cam has pocketed $145,000 of the amount, and is set to receive another $117,000 by the end of this financial year. He will earn a further $85,000 next financial year.