Independent Senator Rex Patrick has slammed the Federal government for its decision to make last-minute appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal with former Liberal MPs and staffers.

On Monday, Attorney-General Michaelia Cash announced 19 new appointments to the tribunal, which independently reviews a range of administrative decisions made by the government.

Senator Patrick told Mark Gibson on 6PR Breakfast that the decision needs to be urgently reviewed and investigated by the Auditor General.

“This is all very ordinary conduct, and that’s why I have referred this matter to the Auditor General to investigate,” he said.

“To make sure that these appointments have actually been made on the basis of proper advertising, proper selection criteria, making sure people are appropriately qualified, that a process has been followed and that it’s not just a case of jobs for the boys.”

Press PLAY to hear the full comments by Senator Patrick on why he believes the decisions should be investigated.