Premier Dominic Perrottet reveals Stuart Ayres has resigned after a review into the former deputy premier's controversial appointment to an US trade role.
New South Wales Trade Minister Stuart Ayres has resigned from the ministry after an inquiry "raised concerns" about his conduct in the appointment of John Barilaro to a lucrative US trade role.
The resignation comes after Mr Perrottet ordered a review into the recruitment of former deputy premier, Mr Barilaro, to the key New York-based role of US senior trade and investment commissioner. There has been intense scrutiny over the conduct of Stuart Ayres in the appointment of John Barilaro to the US trade job.
He maintained the process was completed at arm's length from him, and that he had done nothing wrong. "However, I agree it is important that this matter is investigated appropriately and support the Premier's decision to do so," he said."To maintain the integrity of the cabinet, I have decided to resign as a minister to allow the investigation to be completed.Mr Perrottet said the issues raised by the draft report "go directly to the engagement of Minister Ayres with the Department secretary", Amy Brown, during the recruitment process.
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