Stephen Cartwright denies NSW trade role a case of ‘jobs for mates’ despite discussion with Barilaro

Stephen Cartwright, centre, was appointed NSW’s senior trade commissioner to London. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

The New South Wales agent general to the UK, Stephen Cartwright, has refuted claims that his appointment was a case of “jobs for mates”, after being encouraged to apply by the then deputy premier, John Barilaro.

Speaking from London before a long-running parliamentary probe into the appointment of senior trade positions, Cartwright said he had been approached by Barilaro about the job in February 2021 and encouraged to “throw [his] hat in the ring”.