Minister not consulted on Tony Abbott role

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion first learned about a "special envoy" role given to Tony Abbott through the media.

Mr Abbott was appointed a special envoy on indigenous affairs in August.

Senator Scullion did not ask the prime minister for assistance and was not consulted about the creation of the role.

He only became aware Mr Abbott was offered the role through the media.

"I wasn't aware he was going to be appointed," the minister told a Senate estimates hearing on Friday.

"I heard about speculation in the media first."

Senator Scullion said while Mr Abbott was enlisted to gather information and provide advice on indigenous issues, he retained ministerial responsibility for the portfolio.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten ridiculed Mr Abbott's envoy role.

He also took aim at the prime minister for dispatching Malcolm Turnbull to an oceans conference in Bali and sending Barnaby Joyce "wandering around the bush" as a special envoy for drought.

"He's basically had to buy off every unhappy person in the government," Mr Shorten told reporters in Melbourne.

It is understood Mr Abbott will visit South Australia next week, talking to indigenous leaders in Adelaide as well as regional and remote parts of the state.

Mr Abbott and Mr Joyce have each been offered an extra adviser and assistant adviser to help in their new roles.

They are also allowed to claim "reasonable travel costs" for their duties, but they are not receiving extra pay, a Senate estimates committee heard this week.