Coalition voters were most likely to be influenced by the appointment,with 48 per cent saying the trade scandal could be important when they decide who to support at the ballot box.
Loading
Resolve director Jim Reed said voters were disengaged in politics except for two issues that garnered attention:former prime ministerScott Morrison’s secret ministries and the Barilaro trade scandal.
“Voters are mainly focused on federal politics at the moment,and in particular in a frame of integrity,” Reed said. “That’s undoubtedly damaged the Liberal brand,and when voters look at the state government the parallel of the Barilaro trade appointment is being viewed through that lens.”
Reed said despite Barilaro withdrawing from the role,two inquiries into how he was appointed and former trade minister Stuart Ayres resigning from cabinet,it did little to change the perception of voters.
“Voters clearly think this is a case of ‘jobs for the boys’,and that’s been reinforced rather than neutralised by the reversal of the appointment,the need for an inquiry and a resignation,” Reed said.
“They are not rating the premier’s handling of this situation well,and it’s logical that this will have some impact on support when it’s the only current judgment point of the government.”
Perrottet in June launched an independent inquiry into the public sector process behind Barilaro’s securing the job,with the findings highly critical ofAmy Brown,the senior public servant who made the final decision to give him the role.
The premier has acknowledged several “fundamental errors” meant the Barilaro process was flawed from the outset but has pledged changes to make sure the same scenario could not be repeated.
Brown,who has stepped aside from her former role of Investment NSW chief executive,was found to have factored in the preference of then-trade minister Ayres – despite never being directed to do so – consulting him on advertising the role,candidate shortlists and arranging a meeting for him and a candidate.
Brown remains secretary of the Department of Enterprise,Investment and Trade but is on leave. The review,conducted by former public service commissioner Graeme Head,recommended the Department of Premier and Cabinet consider action against Brown.
The department this week confirmed it had started formal discussions with Brown in relation to the findings of the Head review,but the process had since been put on ice while she is on leave.
Our Breaking News Alertwillnotify you of significant breaking news when it happens.Get it here.