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An external recruiter thought the newly-hired boss of Transport for NSW was not experienced enough for the almost $600,000-a-year job, government documents reveal.
Key points:
- Josh Murray was hired as transport secretary earlier this month
- External recruiter NGS Global did not recommend Mr Murray for the position in late May
- The candidate not chosen was senior transport executive Benedicte Colin
Transport Minister Jo Haylen has faced criticism for hiring Josh Murray, the former chief of staff to former NSW premier Morris Iemma, as her transport secretary earlier this month, but maintains he went through the proper hiring process.
The Coalition has previously described it as a "jobs for the boys" appointment.
Government documents tabled in NSW parliament show the external recruiter NGS Global did not recommend Mr Murray for the position in late May.
"Has some relevance but experience is largely in corporate affairs and as chief of staff," the recruiter's notes read.
"Has not had level of operation complexity required for this role."
That same day, emails show Ms Haylen's chief of staff Scott Gartrell received the shortlist of candidates which placed Mr Murray in "Group C: Under review or not recommended to proceed".
"The shortlist is pretty underwhelming!" Mr Gartrell wrote.
"I reckon we should persist with [name redacted], and in Group C1, Josh Murray should be interviewed as well."
Murray was considered a 'risk' by recruiters
A briefing note to the premier said a panel of senior public servants then interviewed four candidates and assessed Mr Murray as "very suitable" for appointment.
But another document from the external recruiter, dated 27 June and attached to an email sent to Ms Haylen on 29 June, said it would be a "risk" to give Mr Murray the top job.
"He has not however had large scale strategic operational or people leadership experience, which would likely make his appointment to this role a significant risk," the document said.
The document made complimentary observations about Mr Murray, including that he was "a competent executive who was intelligent, very articulate, calm and considered".
Two days later, an email from Ms Haylen said she had met with two final recommended candidates, and selected Mr Murray.
"Josh is a better fit for the department and for me at this time and is therefore my preferred candidate," she said.
The candidate not chosen was senior transport executive Benedicte Colin.
Ministerial diary disclosures show Ms Haylen met with Mr Murray on April 4, nine days after Labor won the election.
The ABC has sought comment from Ms Haylen and the NSW Opposition.