Leader of the opposition in the upper house Penny Sharpe has called on the government to halt the appointment until the Public Accountability Committee has finished its inquiry and reported to the parliament.
TheHerald on Tuesday revealed the government had shortlisted candidates for the job of US trade commissioner in May last year,but the role was ultimately readvertised and handed to Barilaro,months after his resignation from parliament.
The role was one of five global trade commissioner roles created by Barilaro when he was trade minister. According to government emails,seen by theHerald,candidates for all commissioner roles must meet with the treasurer,deputy premier and premier,before being presented to cabinet.
A 2021 selection panel report for the New York posting,obtained under parliamentary order,reveals the names and interview scores of four candidates who interviewed for the role in July last year.
According to the report,which is partially completed and redacted in parts,there were 21 applicants for the state trade and investment commissioner role,with four candidates shortlisted and interviewed.
Among those shortlisted for the New York posting was former federal Liberal MP Peter Hendy,who served as the member for Eden-Monaro between 2013 and 2016.