Ex-treasurer gets United Nations gig

Former treasurer Wayne Swan has been appointed to chair an eminent expert group advising the United Nations on tax policy and government spending.

Mr Swan attended the first meeting of the group, which comes under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, in Bangkok in December.

The group, described as 18 "renowned experts and experienced policy makers", was set up to advise UNESCAP on ways to help UN member states implement the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.