Jennifer West is suing John Barilaro and Stuart Ayres for abuse of power as New York Commerce Commissioner
All three, the lawsuit states, knew their actions were outside of their public authority and would harm West. “The state is vicariously liable for the acts and omissions of Brown, Ayres and Barilaro, which constitutes misconduct in public office,” it said.
In a parliamentary inquiry last year, West said Brown told her the role in New York would be “a gift for someone.” Barilaro, who had resigned from Parliament by then, was appointed by Ayres. West was later fired from Investment NSW.
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On Monday, the Independent Commission Against Corruption said it had found no evidence of Barilaro’s corrupt behavior after a seven-month investigation.
But the Labor-dominated inquiry found that Barilaro’s appointment had “all the hallmarks of a ‘job for the young’ position”. It also said Investment NSW’s treatment of West was “unfair, unprofessional and sends a terrible message”.
West’s lawsuit, filed in the Supreme Court Monday afternoon, argued her resignation was not in the public interest or in good faith and was to “remove West from a position where West would embarrass Brown, Ayres, Barilaro or others.” could the government”.
The allegation alleges that Barilaro was involved in discussions leading to the termination of West’s appointment to New York and resigned from Parliament to take over the job himself – acts that were beyond his public power and carried out in the knowledge were that they would harm her.
Similar lawsuits were recently filed by Bill Spedding and Danielle Laidley.
It accuses Brown, Barilaro and Ayres of acting in the knowledge “that West would suffer reputational and economic damage”.
West declined to comment. Ayres referred the issue to the Prime Minister’s and Cabinet Offices, which said: “It would be inappropriate to comment while court cases are pending”. Barilaro and Brown were also contacted for comment but did not respond in a timely manner.
The matter will appear in court on April 27.
In Victoria, former footballer Danielle Laidley is suing the state of Victoria, alleging that police circulated pictures of her at Geelong Racecourse and attempted to “invite and subject (her) to humiliation and ridicule” for identifying as a woman have. She argues the officers’ actions constitute misconduct in public office.
There is no upper limit for damages, but the plaintiff’s damages must be proven. Punitive damage is possible, but rare.
With Olivia Ireland
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/barilaro-ayres-hit-with-lawsuit-over-new-york-trade-commissioner-job-20230307-p5cpxv.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_national_nsw Jennifer West is suing John Barilaro and Stuart Ayres for abuse of power as New York Commerce Commissioner
