Malcolm Turnbull was ‘in conflict’ with NSW government policy: John Barilaro

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has told Sky News, Malcolm Turnbull “misrepresented his position” when he called for a moratorium on coal in the state and it was “in conflict” with government policy. Mr Turnbull was appointed as the Chair of the Net Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board by Minister Kean last week before the minister sensationally rescinded the offer today. Only days after his appointment, Mr Turnbull called for a moratorium on all coal projects in NSW despite being in direct conflict with government policy. Mr Barilaro said he put his “bias and past history on Mr Turnbull aside” and did not oppose the appointment when it was brought to Cabinet, “To be honest I have fought many Liberal fights, and I thought this is not my fight, this is a fight for the Liberal Party and I was prepared not to oppose it, so I’m just as responsible as anyone else,” he said. “Within 48 hours of that, he came straight out opposing mining at a time where we know the mining sector and coal mining is what’s underpinning the economy. “Unfortunately, Malcolm Turnbull… misrepresented his position and spoke against what is government policy. “There will never be a moratorium on coal mining while I am there.”