NSW Tourism and Sport Minister Stuart Ayres resigns following misconduct allegations

NSW Tourism and Sport Minister Stuart Ayres has resigned after an inquiry "raised concerns" about his conduct in the appointment of former NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro’s appointment to a well-paid trade role in New York.

With Minister Ayres’ role in the appointment of Barilaro to the senior trade role having come under increased scrutiny in recent days, NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet today revealed that Ayres would stand aside from cabinet - where he is also Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, and Minister for Western Sydney - and as Deputy Liberal party leader while he is investigated for a possible breach of the ministerial code of conduct over the role,

Advising that he had ordered a review into the recruitment process, Premier Perrottet advised "late last night, Minister Stuart Ayres informed me he would resign from his ministerial positions and as deputy leader of the NSW parliamentary Liberal Party.

“His intention to resign follows a briefing I received from the Department of Premier and Cabinet Secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter (with the) draft findings raising a concern about whether Mr Ayres had complied with the Ministerial Code of Conduct.”

Ayres (pictured) denies any wrongdoing but said he was standing aside while investigations are conducted.

Former NSW Deputy Premier Barilaro walked away from the role less than two weeks after his appointment was announced in June, saying it had become untenable and a “distraction” due to media attention. 

Following Ayres stepping down, Premier Perrottet announced that Alister Henskens will assume the additional portfolios of Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, and Minister for Sport in addition to his current roles as Minister for Skills and Training and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Ben Franklin, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Regional Youth, will assume the additional portfolio of Minister for Tourism.

The Minister for Transport and Minister for Veterans Affairs, David Elliott, will assume the additional portfolio of Minister for Western Sydney.