John Barilaro inquiry: Date set for former deputy premier’s fate

Former deputy premier John Barilaro will learn the outcome of a state parliamentary inquiry into the ex-Nationals leader’s ill-fated US appointment this week.

Former deputy premier John Barilaro will learn the outcome of a state parliamentary inquiry into the ex-Nationals leader’s ill-fated US appointment this week.

It is understood the NSW Public Accountability Committee will hand down its report into the appointment of Mr Barilaro as a senior trade commissioner to the Americas on February 2.

The handing down of the report follows Penrith MP Stuart Ayres being separately cleared of breaching the NSW ministerial code as it relates to the hiring process, with barrister Bruce McClintock finding the Penrith MP had complied with the requirements.

The finalisation of the report into whether Mr Barilaro’s appointment had been a case of “a job for the boys” came as Nationals MP Wes Fang called for a separate inquiry into the elevation of Labor Party official Bob Nanva into the NSW Upper House.

Mr Fang, who was a member of the parliamentary committee looking into Mr Barilaro’s appointment, wants the new inquiry investigating allegations of impropriety against dumped Labor candidate Karl Asfour to be expanded to include the appointment of Mr Nanva.

John Barilaro is set to learn the outcome of the state parliamentary inquiry this week. Picture: Gaye Gerard/NCA Newswire

Opposition Leader Chris Minns made a “captain’s pick” to replace Mr Asfour, who is the mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown.

Mr Fang said it was no different to the “jobs for the boys” allegations that were levelled at members of the government and bureaucrats over the appointment of Mr Barilaro.

Khal Asfour’s exit from the election race opened the door for Chris Minns to elevate Bob Nanva. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“I can’t help but draw parallels with what the ALP accused the government and Bara of doing and what they themselves appear to have enacted in order to have Nanva parachuted into the Upper House,” he said.

Mr Nanva was moved into Mr Asfour’s vacated spot less than a week after the mayor was accused of charging ratepayers for personal expenses while overseas.

Denying wrongdoing, Mr Asfour claimed he was the target of a smear campaign.