Former deputy premier John Barilaro hunts for new job

He says there is ‘zero’ chance of a political comeback, but former Nationals leader John Barilaro is sniffing around for a regional council job.

John Barilaro and his partner Jennifer Lugsdin holidaying in Bali. Picture: Supplied

Former Nationals firebrand and ex-deputy NSW premier John Barilaro says he is on the hunt for “job with purpose” after missing out on a $360,000 council gig.

Despite living on Sydney’s northern beaches with his partner and former media adviser Jennifer Lugsdin, the former Berejiklian government minister and NSW Nationals leader lodged an application for the role of Griffith City Council general manager.

While Mr Barilaro did not get the gig – it is understood there are 36 candidates – he said he remained interested in a council job, especially in the bush, if the right role turned up.

“I am passionate about the bush and I still have another career in me,” he said.

“I spent my whole career trying to improve things for the bush when there were those that just wanted to things to stay the same. I’ve been out of politics for 3½ years. The next job has to be one with purpose. Something in a local community.”

Former Nationals leader and ex-deputy NSW premier John Barilaro is looking for a new job. Picture: John Feder

Asked if he would consider a return to state politics, Mr Barilaro scoffed: “No way, zero chance”.

While enjoying a healthy lifestyle and keeping fit on the beaches, Mr Barilaro said he and Ms Lugsdin would move for the right job.

Mr Barilaro quit state politics in 2021 after a decade as the MP for Monaro. During his political career, Mr Barilaro became known for his outspokenness, once calling for then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull to resign as a “Christmas gift” to Australians, while describing koalas as “tree rats”.

During the infamous “koala wars” over the animals’ protection, Mr Barilaro threatened to pull his party out of the Coalition before a compromise deal that was more in favour of landholders.

Questioned over whether he missed the theatre of the bear pit, Mr Barilaro said his government had “too much of our faces being in the public”.

While the Griffith job had its perks – including a car and relocation assistance – it is a far cry from the New York trade job Mr Barilaro was appointed to after leaving state politics.

The job fell over after the selection process became embroiled in controversy with the then Coalition government criticised about the appointment.

Since then, Mr Barilaro has been keeping busy with consulting work.

An advertisement for the council job specified the successful candidate needed to have a strong track record in senior leadership, be able to manage complex operations, people and budgets, while also having the ability to “handle pressure” and “stay calm when opinions collide”.

“This is a job for someone who can read a room, hold a line, and know when to shift gear,” it said.

It is understood interviews are continuing.

Originally published as Former deputy premier John Barilaro hunts for new job