New South Wales (NSW) Trade Minister Stuart Ayres has stepped down from all ministerial positions as well as deputy leader of the state Liberal Party.
It comes after a draft review into how former NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro landed a high-paying U.S. trade role raised a concern as to whether Ayres breached the ministerial code of conduct.
“In my view, no such breach has occurred. However, I agree it is important that this matter is investigated appropriately and support the premier’s decision to do so,” Ayres said in a statement on Aug. 3.
“I have always applied the highest levels of integrity in my conduct as a minister….