Stephen Cartwright denies NSW trade role a case of ‘jobs for mates’ despite discussion with Barilaro

Agent general to the UK tells inquiry of open and frank' discussion about salary and the London role with the then deputy premier

The New South Wales agent general to the UK, Stephen Cartwright, has refuted claims that his appointment was a case of jobs for mates", after being encouraged to apply by the then deputy premier, John Barilaro.

Speaking from London before a long-running parliamentary probe into the appointment of senior trade positions, Cartwright said he had been approached by Barilaro about the job in February 2021 and encouraged to throw [his] hat in the ring".