Inquiry to probe John Barilaro’s appointment to $500,000-a-year trade role he created while in government

Former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro was tapped for the $500,000-a-year trade role to the Americas on Friday. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

The appointment of former New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro to a highly paid trade job that he created while in government will be probed by an upper house inquiry.

Barilaro was tapped for the $500,000-a-year senior trade and investment commissioner to the Americas on Friday. He created the position when he was trade minister.