The recent appointment of former NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro to a plum US trade position has left Jim Wilson with more questions than answers.

Mr Barilaro was handed the job of US Trade Commissioner after a candidate shortlist was scrapped and the position re-advertised.

“How much has this cost you and me the taxpayer in payouts to those who were offered the job, but then someone changed their mind and gave the role to the former Deputy Premier?” Jim Wilson asked.

Leader of the opposition in the NSW Upper House Penny Sharpe joined Jim Wilson on Drive to discuss the dubious appointment.

“The idea that there’s some semantic reason why a $500,000-a-year job does not go to cabinet … particularly when it’s the person who set up the positions in the first place… I mean it just stinks,” she said.

Today the NSW Upper House has submitted a motion which halted the appointment pending an enquiry.

Press PLAY below to hear more from Jim and Penny Sharpe

Image: Getty