In a keynote address to the National Public Sector Managers and Leaders Conference in Canberra, Mr Lloyd supported the use of flexible labour as a way for the public service to modernise.

“Contingent workers are now a long-established facet of the Australian employment framework,” Mr Lloyd said.

“A basic misconception to dispel is the attitude that contingent work is neither desired nor beneficial. Many people prefer to work in this manner. They embrace the independence, choice, flexibility and rewards it offers. Only a minority feels aggrieved or exploited because they find themselves in this segment of the workforce.

“The on-demand economy offers consumers greater choice while letting people work whenever and wherever they want.”

Mr Lloyd said the spread of contingent workers had highlighted the divide between employers and unions.

“Employers embrace the need to avail themselves of the services of on-demand workers,” Mr Lloyd said. “In contrast, the unions reacting to their falling membership urge extensive regulation of contingent workers in an attempt to protect the regulated labour market.”

In June 2018, Lloyd quit as the Australian Public Service Commissioner after being questioned about his links to the Institute for Public Affairs (IPA). The IPA is a longstanding critic of the public service and has previously called for thousands of jobs to be cut.

In December 2018, John Lloyd went to work at the Institute of Public Affairs, as director of workplace relations.

We’re not sure if he’s full-time or on call, being paid by the hour.