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The premier’s office did not respond to questions put by theHerald about his discussions with Elliott for the role. Asked by Fordham why his office on Saturday did not reject the claims “on the record”,Perrottet said he was now “more than happy” to state publicly that he considered the claims untrue.
“As part of my role as premier I always look to put the best team on the park and look at what ways they can contribute to serving the people of NSW,” he said.
“I create parliamentary secretary roles and I create ministries. That is my job as premier.”
Perrottet on Monday said it was common for members of parliament,when seeking to leave politics,to talk to colleagues in relation to what they want to do next.
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“At that time,minister Elliott did not want to recontest the next election,but was interested in being part of the team going forward.”
Perrottet said the pair discussed “a number of roles” Elliott could play within the parliament.
“David and I canvassed opportunities for him to continue to serve and make a contribution to the people of our state,” he said.
Barilaro on Monday will make his first appearance at the inquiry examining his appointment to the $500,000 a year US trade role,from which he has withdrawn.
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Perrottet said he was still awaiting the findings of an independent review he had ordered into the appointment of Barilaro as US trade commissioner,which has raised concerns about the public service recruitment process.
Stuart Ayres was last week forced to resign as trade minister over his role in the saga,amid claims he was not at arm’s length from the process. He has denied any wrongdoing in the process.
The premier on Monday said that,while the department secretary was responsible for making the final decision on trade appointments,it was clear “there have been flaws in that process”.
He said he had sought a further review into whether Ayres breached the ministerial code of conduct.
“It’s important to get to the facts,” he said. “Sometimes things are politically challenging. I accept that. But my job as premier of NSW is to do what is right and allow people proper process.”
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