Peta Credlin, a controversial figure in the Abbott government, insists she will not be faced with a conflict of interest as she takes on a position reporting directly to James Packer.

Ms Credlin has accepted a role as a head of policy and business development at Mr Packer’s private company Consolidated Press Holdings.

In the lead-up to this year’s election, Mr Abbott’s ex-chief of staff signed with Sky News as a paid political commentator and it’s understood she will stay employed at the network and write columns for News Corp’s Sunday papers.

Credlin won’t be lobbying the likes of Nick Xenophon Photo: Getty

Ms Credlin says there is no conflict because her job at CPH is one of policy and business development and that “other (CPH) executives will continue to manage government relations and corporate affairs”.

“While I will continue to maintain a media presence in my Sky News and News Corp roles, I will manage all three relationships in the same vein as other contributors and columnists do,’’ she told News Corp.

“There are any number of contributors who work in corporate affairs consultancies who have ­relationships or a client base that may have issues in the public ­domain at the same time as they are in the media and they manage that.

“There is also plenty of contributors who hold corporate board positions and do media so it is not new.’’

Ms Credlin also said that her new position would allow her to use her policy skills in the development of new business opportunities for CPH.

Ms Credlin became Mr Abbott’s chief of staff in 2009. She had previously worked for former Liberal Senator Kay Patterson, the former Communications Minister Helen Coonan, and former Liberal Leaders Brendan Nelson and Mr Turnbull.

Packer has known Credlin since 1999. Photo: Getty

It’s believed a phone call from Mr Packer late last year sparked the negotiations that have led to her role as head of policy and business development.

She will report directly to Mr Packer and CPH chief executive Rob Rankin.

Ms Credlin will also work with former state Labor Party general secretary and federal minister Mark Arbib.

Mr Arbib is director of business development and corporate ­affairs and works for Mr Packer’s listed casino company Crown Resorts.

Ms Credlin says it will not be in her job description to lobby people.

“I will be able to use my policy skills in the development of new business opportunities for the company,’’ she told News Corp.

“There is a lot of growth potential out of Australia’s recent free-trade agreements with Japan, China and South Korea and work is well under way on agreements with the EU, India and others.

“We’re well placed in the Asia-Pacific region to capitalise on the continuing growth potential of our neighbourhood.

“As well, rapid technological advances and disruption mean industry can’t stand still.’’

It’s believed Ms Credlin met Mr Packer in late 1999, when she was working as an adviser to then federal communications minister Richard Alston.