Ex- PM offers no answers

MALCOLM Turnbull is unsure why a small not-for-profit organisation was chosen for a controversial $444 million government grant without a tender process.

The former prime minister has revealed his version of events behind the Great Barrier Reef Foundation being given the money during one brief meeting in April.

Mr Turnbull’s response to questions from Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson, who is looking into the funding allocation, has been made public.

He had been asked to appear before a Senate inquiry, which is due to hand down its report on Tuesday. But Mr Turnbull is holidaying in the United States and wrote to Senator Whish-Wilson instead. He was unable to give a firm answer about why the foundation was singled out.

“As to why the GBRF was recommended by the Department of the Environment and Energy, you should inquire of the department,” he said.