An opposition critic is calling on the Newfoundland and Labrador government to release a $148,000 review of one of its departments.

Former auditor general and unsuccessful provincial Progressive Conservative candidate John Noseworthy filed a report on the Department of Avanced Education and Skills in December 2012.

Andrew Parsons is the Opposition Liberal critic for advanced education and skills. (CBC)

Andrew Parsons, advanced education and skills critic for the Liberal Opposition, said he has asked to see the report, but it has not been made public.

"We have no idea whether this report will ever see the light of day and I think that's unfortunate," said Parsons. "That taxpayers' money is being spent and we don't know what we are getting out of that, and that's unacceptable."

Parsons also questioned whether Noseworthy should have been appointed in the first place.

"A gentleman who was a failed Tory candidate that's hired without the due process shortly thereafter to come in and review a newly created department, to me, it speaks of a patronage appointment."

Minister defends hire

Joan Shea, the minister of advanced education and skills, said Noseworthy was hired because he was the best person to do the job, not because of patronage.

"Despite his background that he ran in the election," said Shea, "The fact is that this person did bring the skills to the job that we were looking for."

Shea added that the public may eventually get access to Noseworthy's review.

"Once the report is finalized, there will certainly be strong consideration to release the report," said Shea. "And any release will be subject to the access to information rules."

Shea would not comment on whether Noseworthy was receiving a government pension while he was being paid as a consultant.

CBC was unable to reach Noseworthy for his comments on the matter.