Ex-minister Minchin lands board role

Former Howard government minister Nick Minchin has been appointed to the Foreign Investment Review Board.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the former Liberal senator brought a wide range of experience to the role, as a former consul-general in New York and having earned degrees in law and economics from the Australian National University.

The five-year role starts on December 17.

"Mr Minchin's skills and experience will complement FIRB's existing expertise in commercial, government, legal and national security matters," Mr Frydenberg said in a statement on Friday.

Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen took aim at the appointment.

"This tells you all you need to know about Josh Frydenberg and the Liberals when it comes to the economy and budget," Mr Bowen said.

"No plans to deal with low wages growth or cost of living pressures. They didn't know the 'big stick' legislation is being referred to a Senate inquiry.

"But plenty of time for partisan political appointments to government boards and vacancies without consulting the opposition on the eve of a federal election."