In the days before John Barilaro announced his plans to leave politics, emails show bureaucrats discussing changing the rules for the recruitment of new trade commissioners, then deciding the plum US role would be handled 'as an internal matter'.
"We are now asked to consider whether there are alternative methods that STICs could be employed," he wrote.Ten days later on October 1 — the same day Gladys Berejiklian announced she would step down as premier — the chief of staff to Investment NSW CEO Amy Brown sent another email to several colleagues.
The ABC sent detailed questions to both Investment NSW and Trade Minister Stuart Ayres's office asking why the department had been asked to convert the roles to ministerial appointments, and by who. Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann, who chairs the committee which will be inquiring into Mr Barilaro's appointment, said there were serious questions to be answered.
That committee will meet tonight to decide on terms of reference and hearings, but could call witnesses as early as next week.