Department secretary Amy Brown during the inquiry into the appointment of John Barilaro as Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to the Americas, at NSW Parliament. Sydney, NSW. 2nd August, 2022. Photo: Kate Geraghty
"Objectively speaking, arm's length is not a fair characterisation of how the process was ," she said. While he will remain an MP for Penrith, Ayres has stepped down as deputy leader of the NSW Liberals, as well as his ministerial roles . "The draft review that I have seen, relating to those matters with respect to Mr Ayres, raises questions," he said.
Ayres had been under fire for his handling of the former deputy premier's appointment, following accusations he used discussions with Brown to promote Barilaro's standing as a candidate.Former NSW trade minister Stuart Ayres had been under intense scrutiny over the John Barilaro affair.