NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet continues to back Stuart Ayres as pressure mounts on the deputy Liberal leader over his role in the controversial appointment of John Barilaro to a lucrative US trade post.
A weeks-long scandal has engulfed the NSW government over the process for the appointment of the former Nationals leader to the $500,000 a year New York job, which is now the subject of both parliamentary and Department of Premier and Cabinet inquiries.
A fresh tranche of documents released on Monday has raised more questions about the propriety of Mr Barilaro's recruitment, amid criticism of Mr Ayres' involvement in the hiring for the plum trade role.
