Damning new documents reveal John Barilaro did not attract the highest interview score among final candidates and was suggested for the “talent pool” rather than the coveted position when a selection panel finalised its report
Former deputy premier John Barilaro was not the preferred candidate for a New York trade role, but a panel selection report was edited to enhance his assessment and list him as the first choice once he had already accepted the job.
Tranches of documents related to an earlier round were made public previously as part of an order from the parliament. That first round led to a verbal offer to bureaucrat Jenny West that was later rescinded. “However, he had not worked internationally in a role aligned to the experience expected for high level [Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner] candidates,” it said.
The new description of Barilaro said: “Following a review of references, which included the Australian Ambassador to the US [Arthur Sinodinos], the panel concluded that John had the right motivation, capabilities and experience for the role. Batting away mounting pressure from his Liberal colleagues, Ayres on Monday rejected any suggestion that recently released documents have placed him closer to the process.
The documents have been released amid an ongoing upper house inquiry examining the decision to appoint Barilaro US trade commissioner. He has since withdrawn from the role, conceding his appointmentAyres published a lengthy statement on social media on Sunday night, defending the process that resulted in Barilaro being appointed, insisting it was a decision of the public service in which he could not intervene.
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