Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed that his predecessor will the government at the Our Ocean summit in Bali late this month.
A Senate hearing last night also revealed that the PM had granted Mr Turnbull an unlimited travel entitlement which technically is not restricted to official duties.
It is, however, believed that offical duties is all he'll use it for.
But former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce is upset about the move, considering Mr Turnbull's inactivity in the former Liberal seat of Wentworth, which the Coalition last weekend.
“Doesn’t stack up for me either. If I was in the cabinet, I’m not, I’d be scratching my head desperately,” Mr Joyce told 2GB radio.
“Now I’m on the backbench I can tell you the truth: it is a problem and there should have been a bit more thought put into this, I don’t think it’s the right move.”
“I think he’s angry about losing his job, I don’t know, one can only presume some sulking. It’s something you’ve got to get over with,” said Mr Joyce. “I suggest that probably gives us a very good reason not to send him to Bali.”
Do you care about Mr Turnbull's new appointment or that he has unlimited access to flights?
Malcolm said yesterday he is "retired",so he must have been persuaded to go on this Bali trip. I think the guy deserves some thanks and not be insulted in any way.
Would anyone prefer Tony or Barnaby to take his place? I don't think so!