Stuart Ayres cleared of wrongdoing
Former trade minister Stuart Ayres could return to NSW cabinet after a review probing his involvement in John Barilaro’s appointment to a US trade post cleared him of any wrongdoing.
The review by high-profile barrister Bruce McClintock, SC, found Ayres complied with the ministerial code of conduct in relation to the former deputy premier’s appointment.
Premier Dominic Perrottet previously said he believed Ayres did not conduct himself at arm’s length from the trade appointment, but last week suggested the door remained open to Ayres returning to his cabinet once he had read the McClintock review.
Stuart Ayres resigned as trade minister over his role in the recruitment process.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer
Asked to rule out Ayres returning to cabinet, the premier last week said, “no, I’m not”, adding that he would make a decision “down the track”, once he had an opportunity to consider the McClintock report.
“There are always opportunities to come back and serve in the NSW government in different ways,” Perrottet said last Thursday.
Ayres was forced to resign from cabinet and as deputy Liberal leader early last month after a different review into Barilaro’s appointment to the New York trade post raised questions over Ayres’ role in the process.
That triggered the McClintock inquiry to determine whether Ayres breached the ministerial code of conduct.
Ayres’ role in the appointment of Barilaro came under heavy scrutiny amid the release of a cache of internal documents revealing he stayed close to the recruitment led by department boss Amy Brown, including developing a candidate shortlist.
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintained he remained at arm’s length from the public service process.
Read More: Stuart Ayres cleared of wrongdoing