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state political reporter Ashleigh Raper 

NSW inquiry into John Barilaro's US trade job hears top candidate was not formally offered role

Chris Carr gives evidence during the inquiry into the appointment of John Barilaro as Trade Commissioner to the Americas. (AAP: Dean Lewins)

The general counsel for the NSW government department that handed former deputy premier John Barilaro the job of Trade Commissioner to the Americas says it is "not correct" that a former bureaucrat was fully offered the job first.

Department of Enterprise Investment and Trade's Chris Carr gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry, which is investigating the controversial appointment of Mr Barilaro to the position.

Mr Barilaro's appointment, which comes with a $500,000 annual salary package and is based in New York, was confirmed last month. 

Mr Barilaro withdrew from the role after a political backlash.

A week ago, former bureaucrat Jenny West told the inquiry she had been verbally offered the job in August last year and had also negotiated her contract.

John Barilaro stood down from his appointment as NSW's trade commissioner to the US after political fallout.  (AAP: Dean Lewins)

It was then rescinded after a government decision to change the recruitment process.

Mr Carr today told the inquiry he wanted to "correct the record".

"Ms West's evidence was that her contract terms were finalised on 13 August 2021. She also stated that she was fully offered the job — her words," Mr Carr told the inquiry.

"That is not correct."

He said that there were taxation issues in the contract that had not been finalised.

"Investment NSW was not in a position to issue any contract, or offer to any candidate, prior to mid-December 2021," Mr Carr said.

"Until the agency signs an agreement, counter-signed by an applicant, a person remains an applicant."

Mr Carr said while he provided policy advice on changing the recruitment process, he had a "limited" role.

Top candidate Jenny West told the inquiry last week that she was told the trade job would be "a gift to someone".  (Supplied: NSW Government )
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