A budget estimates hearing was told Monday that Brad Nowland received $52,429.38 on top of accrued leave when he left his position as deputy chief of staff to Treasurer Peter Gutwein in September.

Mr Nowland then moved into a job with public relations firm Font PR. He had previously served as Mr Hodgman's press secretary during the 2018 state election campaign.

Mr Hodgman said Mr Nowland had his contract "terminated" in the latest position due to the role being abolished, at a saving to the taxpayer of $100,000.

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This came after 10 years of continuous service in both government and opposition, he added.

"He only received the entitlements under his contract," Mr Hodgman said.

Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Jenny Gale noted Mr Nowland had been employed under a common law contract and had been paid out in accordance with its termination clause.

Labor leader Rebecca White said the situation sounded "very dodgy" and disputed how Mr Nowland could both have his contract terminated and position abolished.

"On the face of it, it stinks," Labor MHR David O'Byrne said.

Ms White also asked how many contracts had been awarded to Mr Nowland's current workplace, Font PR.

Ms Gale said the company had previously been used for department media training prior to Mr Nowland's move.

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