NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet admits he's frustrated by scandals back home overshadowing his trade tour of Asia, as he again backed under-fire minister Stuart Ayres.
Mr Ayres's involvement in the appointment of former deputy premier John Barilaro to a lucrative US trade role is under growing scrutiny, after the release of an email sent by the boss of Investment NSW.
In the email, sent by Investment NSW chief executive Amy Brown, it states Trade and Investment Minister Mr Ayres had added a name to the shortlist for the position.
The name was not Mr Barilaro's, but the email was released on the same day Mr Ayres declared the recruitment process was separated from the government.
Mr Perrottet said he would await the outcome of an independent review he ordered into the recruitment process before coming to any conclusions.
Speaking in India, the Premier said he had full confidence in Mr Ayres, adding "you can't take documents in isolation".
"I want that review to do its work and when I receive that report I will follow those recommendations and I will immediately release it," he said.
"And I will probably have some recommendations to add as well."
Mr Perrottet wouldn't detail what his recommendations would be, but said he was "actually considering those matters now".
Mr Barilaro has since withdrawn after being appointed to the $500,000-a-year position, and a parliamentary committee is holding an inquiry into how he was offered the role.
Mr Ayres today maintained his interactions with Ms Brown during the recruitment process were "standard" between a minister and the public service.
He said Mr Barilaro won the position on merit, and reiterated he believes it was an appropriate appointment.
"He [Mr Barilaro] applied as a private citizen, he went through a meritorious selection process and he secured that role."
The Premier was also pressed on the conduct of Small Business and Fair Trading Minister Eleni Petinos, who has become the subject of workplace bullying allegations.
He has been briefed on an anonymous complaint made against Ms Petinos, which he said she denied, and said that it had been dealt with "appropriately".
Mr Perrottet said he had spoken with Ms Petinos and made made her "obligations ... as a minister" clear.
"The second point I would make is Ms Petinos denies those allegations," the Premier said.
He said there was "absolutely no place for bullying or harassment in any workplace, including in the NSW government".
Mr Perrottet has been on a tour of Japan, South Korea and India during the past week to strengthen NSW's trade partnerships with key markets.
He said the journey had been a success, but conceded it had been overshadowed by political scandal in Sydney.
"I'd admit it's frustrating but ultimately it's about the outcome that matters," Mr Perrottet said.
"And I haven't been distracted on this trip. I think we've achieved a lot."
