Member for Monaro and Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, has been ordered by the NSW Upper House to release secret documents about a controversial $150 million investment fund he oversaw last year. The matter was debated and voted on in the Legislative Council last week.
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The government voted against the order but crossbench MPs sided with Labor in a first major challenge and defeat for the government since the March election.
The fund, named GO NSW Equity, first came to prominence in 2018.
South Coast oyster farmers criticised the Government for playing favourites and investing $3.33 million into one oyster farm.
It was later revealed that former Liberal Party employee, David Trebeck, was the Chairman of the winning oyster farm.
Another $3.33 million was invested into a Wagyu beef business. It later turned out that the Government's investment advisers, ROC Partners, had a financial interest in the business.
Mr Barilaro told Parliament the investment decisions were made at arm's length from Government. It was later revealed that Mr Barilaro personally signed off on the investment.
The Government has 28 days to provide the documents about the Go NSW Equity fund to the NSW Upper House.
"NSW Labor has previously asked questions in parliament and budget estimates and Minister Barilaro would not answer or could not answer. The Government left Labor with no option other than to pursue this parliamentary vote, Shadow Minister for Primary Industry, Mick Veitch, said.
The Times has contacted Mr Barilaro's office for comment.