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New South Wales frontbenchers will be barred from jobs in government agencies that reported to them for more than a year after they leave politics, Premier Dominic Perrottet says.
- Premier Dominic Perrottet admits the appointment of John Barilaro as a trade commissioner was "flawed"
- The findings of an internal review into Mr Barilaro's selection were released today
- Mr Perrottet says the report found no wrongdoing on the part of Mr Barilaro
The changes to the Ministerial Code of Conduct come after former deputy premier and trade minister John Barilaro was appointed to a senior trade role based in New York after he left Macquarie Street. He has since withdrawn from the role.
Under the changes, ministers will be barred for 18 months after they leave politics from accepting jobs in public sector agencies that reported to them during their final two years in office.
Mr Perrottet announced the changes as he released the findings of an independent review into Mr Barilaro's appointment.
He said the review, by former NSW Public Service Commissioner Graeme Head, made it clear mistakes were made and the recruitment process was "flawed".
"The findings, and in my view the entire process, that has been undertaken has been incredibly disappointing," Mr Perrottet said.
"I acknowledge the distress this has caused many people."
The Head review recommended several changes to the Government Sector Employment (GSE) Act to provide more transparency around appointments.
While it did not recommend changes to the Ministerial Code of Conduct, Mr Perrottet said the extra measures would "ensure robust recruitment processes in the future".
Other amendments will be made to the GSE Act, which means:
- Ministers cannot direct secretaries of public agencies on recruitment matters
- All future trade job selections must be on a merits basis
- Senior public servants will need to seek ethics advice in relation to their future employment and such advice will be made public.
Mr Perrottet said the Head review did not find any wrongdoing on the part of Mr Barilaro, who last week said he wished he never went for the job.
The Premier said the selection process had faults "no one was aware of" and he wanted to reinstall confidence in the trade postings.
"These roles are fundamental. I've met so many people on my trade missions who will now invest in NSW who otherwise wouldn't have."
The Head review prompted the resignation of Stuart Ayres from cabinet earlier this month, even though Mr Ayres denies any wrongdoing.
However, the matter raised questions about whether Mr Ayres breached the Ministerial Code of Conduct by giving certain directions to Investment NSW chief executive Amy Brown.
Ms Brown was responsible for the hiring of the Americas' role and has already told a parliamentary inquiry that Mr Ayres was not at "arm's length" from the appointment.
That inquiry is continuing, with Mr Barilaro expected to give further evidence soon.
Mr Perrottet would not be drawn on whether Ms Brown would continue in her role.
"That's a matter for the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet," he said.
"We will work through these matters."
He also said he was seeking advice on whether Mr Ayres's potential breach of the Code of Ethics and Conduct must be reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).