Nationals MP Kevin Hogan has described the appointment of former Labor MP Robert McClelland as head of the corruption watchdog as “unfortunate” as Anthony Albanese faces calls to be referred over a $6m grant to his local golf club.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland recently appointed Mr McClelland as the National Anti-Corruption Commissioner.

Mr Hogan acknowledged Mr McClelland was a respected judicial figure, but said appointing a former Labor MP to head the corruption watchdog raised questions.

“Robert McClelland is an esteemed judiciary person. We promoted him within the judiciary when we were in government,” Mr Hogan told News24.com.au on Sunday.

“But do you really want an ex-Labor politician to be head of the Anti-Corruption Commission?

“I personally think, even though he’s a very esteemed guy, there probably would have been better roles for him.

“I think it’s unfortunate that an ex-politician becomes head of the Anti-Corruption Commission.”

The criticism comes as Mr Albanese faces scrutiny over a $6.05m federal grant promised to Marrickville Golf Club in his Sydney electorate of Grayndler.

Mr Albanese has a decades-long association with the club and previously held an honorary membership which he had not declared on his register of interests.

The controversy has faced calls to be referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Mr Hogan said the possibility of the Coalition referring the golf club funding to the NACC was under consideration.

Mr McClelland’s appointment was announced by Ms Rowland on October 19, following the resignation of corruption commissioner Paul Brereton.

The former Labor attorney-general will take over the watchdog’s leadership from January 2027, serving a five-year term.

Mr McClelland has been serving as Deputy Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

In a statement announcing the proposed appointments, Ms Rowland said both candidates had been selected through an open, merit-based process.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission approved both appointments, with candidates receiving unanimous support.

“I congratulate Deputy Chief Justice McClelland and Mr Savundra on their proposed appointments,” Ms Rowland said.

“Deputy Chief Justice McClelland and Mr Savundra’s expertise will be an asset to the Commission.

“I have confidence in their ability to contribute to its important work to enhance integrity across the Commonwealth public sector.”