Former Deputy Premier John Barilaro has stepped down as Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to the Americas. Photo: Supplied.
Former Deputy Premier John Barilaro has withdrawn from his $500,000 role as NSW’s trade commissioner to America.
It comes after the first inquiry into how he got the job heard his office had asked the Investment NSW chief if a change to the recruitment process was possible.
This led to a “verbal offer” to the first candidate for the role being rescinded.
Investment NSW CEO Amy Brown said Mr Barilaro had told her last night (30 June) that he would step down “effective immediately”.
“I request that his privacy be respected at this time,” she said.
“Investment NSW is assisting the Department of Premier and Cabinet and NSW Legislative Council Inquiry in reviews of the Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Americas recruitment process, and as such, it is not appropriate to make any further comment.”
In a statement, state Labor leader Chris Minns urged Premier Dominic Perrottet to “come clean” about what really led to Mr Barilaro’s appointment.
“This could not be any murkier,” he said.
“It’s telling that the Premier didn’t sack John Barilaro. He walked.”
Mr Minns stated Mr Barilaro should “never” have been appointed to the role and questions still needed to be answered.
“Serious concerns remain about how he got the job and the parliamentary inquiry will continue to pursue those,” he said.
“Transparency and integrity are the very least NSW deserves from their government.”
Region has reached out to the Premier’s office for comment.
More to come.
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