“And if I do find any situation of bullying,or harassment in the workplace,that person will lose their job,” he said. “As premier of the state,if I see it,or if there is advice of it,then people will lose their jobs.”

Perrottet was also forced to address the worsening saga involving his Trade Minister Stuart Ayres,who has become increasingly engulfed in the John Barilaro trade appointment.

The premier again said he would not take any action until the findings of an independent public service inquiry were handed to him.

“I have to do what is principled and right,rather than what is politically expedient,and I understand that creates challenges,” he said.

However,Ayres doubled down on denials that he influenced the recruitment process,despite documents revealing his involvement,which he insisted was usual practice. He said he did not make decisions but was kept updated by Investment NSW boss Amy Brown.

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns earlier called for an inquiry into the bullying claims against Petinos,arguing that an independent process was critical to ensuring integrity in ministerial offices.

“We’ve got young people in many cases that are getting involved in public life and want to work inside government ... and we need to make sure that there’s a culture protecting them,” he said.

Opposition spokeswoman for better regulation and innovation Courtney Houssos said it was concerning to see the allegations against the minister just days after the shock resignation of the state’s first building commissioner,David Chandler.

The 40-year veteran of the construction industry quit the role this week,three years after former premier Gladys Berejiklian appointed him to lift standards following a litany of building failures.

Houssos said it was unacceptable there had been no explanation from Petinos,as the responsible minister,about Chandler’s sudden resignation.

“The minister must rule out any link between the building commissioner’s departure and these serious allegations about the culture in her office reported today,” Houssos said on Friday.

Labor will lodge an upper house call for papers when parliament resumes next month,to access Chandler’s resignation letter and other correspondence relating to his departure.

Houssos said any inquiry examining the conduct of ministers must be managed in a “delicate and careful way”,to give staffers confidence to air concerns without fear of reprisal.

Petinos entered NSW parliament in 2015 as the member for Miranda at the age of 28. She was a former staff member for NSW Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.

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