John Barilaro suggested London trade commissioner apply for the job

John Barilaro suggested Stephen Cartwright apply for a London trade role, a NSW parliamentary inquiry has heard. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

The man appointed to fill a senior government trade job in London said former New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro told him he had “reached an agreement” with then-treasurer Dominic Perrottet to supplement the role’s salary with living expenses, an inquiry has heard.

The upper house inquiry probing a series of government trade appointments resumed on Thursday and heard evidence from Dr Marianne Broadbent, a senior partner with the recruitment firm charged with helping the government fill the roles.