This was compared to another candidate, whose name is redacted, who exceeded all four metrics. The panel recommended the unknown candidate for the New York post and added Barilaro and two others to a pool of talent.
In its assessment of the former deputy prime minister, the group said it “came to the view that John had some of the relevant capabilities and experience for the role”.
“However, I had not worked internationally in a role aligned with the experience expected for the high level [Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner] candidates,” he said.
“His lack of business development networks would mean he would have a considerable learning curve in the role.”
But a second version of the same panel report, dated June 15, significantly edited Barilaro’s assessment to say he “exceeds” in all four categories and named him as the preferred candidate. He relegated the other three candidates to the talent pool.
Barilaro’s new description read: “After a reference check, which included the Australian Ambassador to the U.S. [Arthur Sinodinos]the panel concluded that John had the right motivation, abilities and experience for the role.
“Although he has not lived internationally, he has successfully developed international business in both capacities… He has represented the state at the highest levels in ministerial visits to the United States, China, Vietnam and Europe.
“While I would have a learning curve doing business in the US, I had a strong track record of building teams as well as operating in a dynamic environment and had a deep understanding of the NSW trade and investment environment “.
Brushing off mounting pressure from his Liberal colleagues, Ayres on Monday rejected any suggestion that the recently released documents had put him closer to the process.
“Again, these decisions are CEO decisions [of Investment NSW Amy Brown] and I’ve said it on numerous occasions, I don’t have the power to direct the CEO of Investment NSW who they employ as senior executives,” he said.
Emails released under parliamentary order last week revealed that Ayres recommended a short list of candidates to his department secretary and asked that a name, not Barilaro’s, be added to the list.
The documents have been released amid an ongoing upper house inquiry into the decision to appoint Barilaro as US trade commissioner. He has since stepped down, admitting his appointment was a “distraction” and unsustainable.
Ayres released a lengthy statement on social media Sunday night defending the process that led to Barilaro’s appointment, insisting it was a civil service decision he could not interfere with.
“Not liking Mr. Barilaro or his style of politics is not an adequate reason to reject his application, let alone not select him for the role,” he said.
Ayres wrote that “integrity and politics” were at the heart of the matter and accused NSW Labor of attacking his personal integrity to target his Penrith seat, which he holds by a slim margin.
loading
“[Labor] I want you to think that I would park my values and my personal commitment to integrity and break the law,” the statement read.
“Every action I have taken has been to remove the politics of recruitment from these positions and put the people of NSW first.”
Barilaro declined to comment. He is scheduled to lead the inquiry on August 8 and 12, ending the first parliamentary session a week after the winter break.
More to come.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Register here.