An investigation into the controversial appointment of John Barilaro to a lucrative overseas trade posting has found no evidence of corrupt conduct by him or former NSW minister Stuart Ayres.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) decided in July last year to secretly investigate whether Mr Barilaro or Mr Ayres breached public trust or exercised their official functions dishonestly.
The scandal surrounding the former deputy premier's selection as New South Wales trade commissioner to the United States engulfed the government for weeks last year.
The opposition labelled the appointment as a "jobs for the boys" scenario.
It also sparked a parliamentary inquiry and two independent reviews by Premier Dominic Perrottet.
Mr Barilaro, who was also the former trade minister, left politics when he was appointed to the US the trade job, from which he later stepped aside.
Mr Ayres, who was his replacement as the trade minister, then resigned from the ministry.
The corruption watchdog has released a statement on Monday after obtaining documentation and conducting interviews as part of its investigation.
"The investigation did not identify any evidence of corrupt conduct," the Commission said in a statement.
"As a result, the Commission has discontinued its investigation."
The ICAC said no further action should be taken in regards to the matter.
It also included former public servant Amy Brown, in its investigation.
She was a government department head who oversaw the recruitment process.
There was also no evidence of corrupt conduct found on her part.
Ms Brown was sacked over the recruitment process.
Mr Perrottet has promised Mr Ayres will be reinstated as a senior minster if the Coalition is re-elected this month.
