‘This isn’t great’: texts reveal Amy Brown’s reaction to launching of John Barilaro inquiry

New documents also show independent review commissioned by NSW premier doesn't have power to probe actions of ministers

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our free news app, morning email briefing or daily news podcast

The independent inquiry launched by the New South Wales premier, Dominic Perrottet, to probe the appointment of John Barilaro to a lucrative New York trade job doesn't have the power to examine the actions of government ministers, new documents show.

The latest documents released to the parliament on Wednesday also reveal that the head of Investment NSW, Amy Brown, responded to news an upper house inquiry had been launched into Barilaro's appointment in June by writing: this isn't great".