Jones is a controversial force in the new Government, with his nakedly pro-mining stance criticised for being anti-environment. His meetings with industry heavyweights, including those in the commercial fishing sector, have led to accusations of conflicts of interest.

In one instance, Jones, also the Fisheries Minister, asked officials to develop a Cabinet paper on overhauling cameras on boats, after a request from a fishing boss who is one of his biggest campaign donors. Under the new Government, New Zealand has backed out of a proposal to restrict seamount trawling in the South Pacific.