The independent review that investigated the appointment of former New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro to a lucrative US trade post has found the recruitment process was not done “remotely” of the government
Key Points:
- The review found former trade minister Stuart Ayres had an “irregular” contribution to the appointment of John Barilaro
- Prime Minister Dominic Perrottet admits Barilaro’s appointment as US trade commissioner was ‘flawed’
- He says he will seek advice on whether Mr Ayres’ actions should be referred to the ICAC
That review, by former NSW Public Service Commissioner Graeme Head, found former trade minister Stuart Ayres had “close contact” with the chief executive of Investment NSW, which was responsible for hiring the Mr. Barilaro
This was despite the fact that the commercial paper of the Americas was to follow an independent procurement process without ministerial intervention.
Mr Head found Ayres’ engagement with Investment NSW chief executive Amy Brown regarding a shortlist of candidates to be “highly irregular”.
“It is highly irregular for a party outside the selection panel, in this case a minister, to be consulted on the composition of a shortlist,” wrote Mr.
“It is even more problematic that the fact that it occurred was not disclosed to the independent members of the panel by Ms Brown.”
The review did not suggest “impropriety” on the part of Mr Ayres, but said the process could not be characterized as “independent”.
Stuart Ayres told Amy Brown that John Barilaro would be a good candidate for the job. (AAP: Jane Dempster)
Ayres resigned from cabinet last month after a draft of the report raised questions about whether he breached the Ministerial Code of Ethics and Conduct in instructing Ms Brown.
However, Ayres maintains that he did nothing wrong.
Following the head review, Prime Minister Dominic Perrottet announced stricter rules on when former ministers could apply for public sector posts.
Perrottet said changes to the Ministerial Code of Ethics and Conduct meant ministers would be banned for 18 months after they dropped the policy of accepting jobs in public sector agencies that reported to them over the past two years in charge
He said the chief’s review made it clear mistakes were made and the recruitment process was “flawed”.
“The findings and, in my view, the whole process that has been carried out has been incredibly disappointing,” Perrottet said.
“I recognize the distress this has caused many people.”
The chief’s review also recommended several changes to the Government Sector Employment (GSE) Act to provide more transparency around appointments.
Although he did not recommend changes to the Ministerial Code of Ethics and Conduct, Mr. Perrottet said the additional measures would “ensure robust recruitment processes in the future”.
Other amendments will be made to the GSE Act, which means:
- Ministers cannot direct the secretaries of public bodies in matters of recruitment
- All future selections for commercial jobs must be based on merit
- Senior public servants will be required to seek ethical advice in relation to their future work and this advice will be made public.
Perrottet said the chief’s review found no wrongdoing by Mr. Barilaro, who said last week he wished he was never on the job.
Barilaro stepped down as trade commissioner in June after significant media scrutiny.
The Prime Minister said the selection process had flaws “that no one was aware of” and he wanted to restore confidence in trade publications.
“These roles are critical. I’ve met so many people on my trade missions who will now invest in NSW who otherwise wouldn’t have.”
Perrottet would not be motivated by whether Ms Brown would continue in her role.
“This is a matter for the secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet,” he said.
“We will work on these matters.”
He also said he was seeking advice on whether the potential breach of the Code of Ethics and Conduct by Mr. Ayres must be reported to the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC).