Former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro is headed for mediation with a senior public servant who claims she was lined up for an overseas trade role he secured before resigning amid a political fallout.
Jennifer West was the deputy secretary of Investment NSW and told a parliamentary inquiry into Mr Barilaro's appointment as senior trade and investment commissioner in New York that she had been given the job, receiving a briefing note signed by then-premier Gladys Berejiklian, before it was withdrawn, and she was terminated from the agency.
She described it as "a very disappointing episode in my life".
She has sued Mr Barilaro in the NSW Supreme Court alleging he and others breached their obligations in public office.
The court heard on Friday the two parties are heading for mediation, have decided on a mediator to oversee discussions, and are just waiting for their available dates to be confirmed.
Senior deputy registrar Jennifer Hedge noted mediation was supposed to take place in July, but extended the dates by consent of both parties after Mr Barilaro's lawyer updated the court on their progress.
The matter will return to court next Friday to confirm a date for mediation.
Mr Barilaro was announced in the $500,000-a-year role in June 2022, resigning within two weeks noting it had become “untenable” due to media and parliamentary scrutiny.
He had resigned from NSW parliament in October 2021.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption found no evidence of corrupt conduct when it examined Mr Barilaro's appointment.
