A New South Wales Minister at the centre of John Barilaro's appointment to a $500,000-a-year New York job scandal is refusing to step down, declaring 'there is no reason for me to stand aside'.
Mr Ayres was grilled about his involvement in the saga during a press conference on Monday morning following the release of explosive new documents which showed that Mr Barilaro was not the best suited candidate for the role.
New South Wales Trade Minister Stuart Ayres says there is no reason for him to step aside. Picture: Getty “It has consistently made sure that the government is at arm's length from the decisions on who forms these roles.”“He had not worked internationally in a role aligned to the experience expected for high level candidates,” the documents said.
“While he has not lived internationally, he has successfully developed international businesses in both his roles in managing his own company in the private sector and in his capacity of Deputy Premier and Trade Minister for NSW,” the final report said of Mr Barilaro. He conceded he received updates on the position's candidates but stood firm against accusations he was personally involved in the process.
"I have full confidence that they will make the decisions to employ the right people in the best interests of New South Wales."
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