Not only will he sit as the chair of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association advisory board, he will also take on a role at Kerry Stokes’ Seven Group Holdings.

Ferguson, who has garnered respect in the oil and gas industry, has accepted the newly created role of APPEA advisory board chairman, receiving rave reviews from chairman David Knox.

“There are few people in Australia with such a comprehensive understanding of Australia’s oil and gas industry,” Knox said.

“I am pleased that someone of Martin’s calibre will be the first chairman of the APPEA advisory board to help us both meet the challenges presented by the industry’s unprecedented expansion and take advantage of the immense opportunities available to the industry during this exciting time.”

Ferguson departed his position of resources and energy minister after backing former prime minister Kevin Rudd in his unsuccessful spill challenge to Julia Gillard.

Ferguson was replaced by Gary Gray.

Another position has been created for Ferguson at Seven Group Holdings.

The company owns mining services business WesTrac, which is the sole Caterpillar dealer in Western Australia, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and northeastern China.

Ferguson will take up the role of Seven Group Holdings natural resources group executive.

According to the Australian Financial Review, Seven chief executive Don Voelte said the former minister’s skills and contacts would be a major advantage for the group.