NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet concedes two trade positions went to cabinet, but

“We’re expected to believe that a global search took place … and the bloke they picked was the guy they sat next to for the past four years, and just happened to be the [former] leader of the National Party,” Minns said.

Minutes before revealing the trade appointments did go to cabinet, Perrottet told parliament that exposing the roles to that very process could have raised compliance risks.

“It’s not necessary or appropriate for such appointments to be approved by cabinet given the positions are senior public service executive positions appointed by the CEO following a merit recruitment process,” he said. “The cabinet … could not intervene in that process.”

Barilaro, the former NSW Nationals leader, had advocated for the six senior trade positions to be cabinet appointments, but he was blocked by his ministerial colleagues who thought the roles should be handled by public servants.

Liberal ministers and backbenchers have been incensed that Barilaro was appointed to the job six months after he quit state politics. Barilaro announced his decision to leave parliament on October 4, just three days after then-premier Gladys Berejiklian’s spectacular fall.

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Perrottet has moved to distance himself from the process and maintained it was a senior public servant, Investment NSW CEO Amy Brown, who was responsible for appointing Barilaro.

Brown reported to Barilaro when he was trade minister.

As well as the review ordered by Perrottet, the upper house will start a public inquiry next week into the processes around the Barilaro’s appointment. It has also moved to block him taking up the role in New York until the inquiry has handed down its report.

A 2021 selection panel shortlisted four candidates, and a final candidate was chosen, although no formal offer was made. Instead, applications were reopened in December and Barilaro applied.

A former senior member of Investment NSW, who is not authorised to speak publicly, said staff across the agency at the time were advised that Investment NSW deputy secretary Jenny West was the preferred candidate.

They said senior directors at Investment NSW were told in March last year that West was going to be appointed to the trade commissioner role.

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