Dominic Perrottet’s chief of staff to face John Barilaro inquiry

Dominic Perrottet’s right-hand man will face a grilling over what he knew about the appointments and salaries of key trade postings, including John Barilaro’s plush New York job.

The Premier’s chief-of-staff will be grilled on his knowledge of key trade appointments, including how John Barilaro was offered a plush New York job.

Bran Black, who worked for Dominic Perrottet when he was Treasurer and remains in his office, was drawn into the inquiry into the trade appointments earlier this year.

Head of Investment NSW Amy Brown told the inquiry Mr Black gave his “strong opinion” that the London trade position should attract a high salary.

He will be questioned on his knowledge of the appointment of Stephen Cartwright to the London job and of John Barilaro to the lucrative New York trade posting.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Mr Black.

Dominic Perrottet’s chief-of-staff Bran Black.

It will be his first appearance before the inquiry.

The inquiry is investigating the circumstances around how the former deputy premier was offered the lucrative position.

Mr Barilaro later withdrew from the position.

The inquiry was expanded to include how former head of Business NSW Stephen Cartwright was offered the London posting.