NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says he never gave permission for the state’s UK trade commissioner to name-drop him while negotiating a $600,000-a-year package.

Stephen Cartwright’s appointment as UK agent-general has been under the spotlight after it emerged he was ranked lower than other candidates, sought an $800,000 salary and eventually negotiated a package higher than other NSW trade commissioners receive.

As a result of NSW picking up his rent in London, the state anticipates it will pay a $105,000 fringe benefits tax bill.

Mr Perrottet on Wednesday said he wasn’t aware Mr Cartwright had invoked his name during negotiations with the public service.

“It’s absurd,” he told a budget estimates hearing.

Mr Perrottet said he “absolutely” did not have a conversation with then deputy premier John Barilaro that the state should take care of the London rent.

He also defended his chief of staff Bran Black, saying his understanding didn’t accord with the suggestion that Mr Black told a senior public servant to give Mr Cartwright what he wanted.

Then-chief of Investment NSW Amy Brown had sought Mr Black’s advice and assistance on “how matters of salary could be determined”.

“He certainly didn’t seek out Ms Brown,” Mr Perrottet said.

“It wasn’t really a matter for him or a matter for me. It was a matter for the public service.”

The trade commissioner roles have been under scrutiny since former deputy premier and trade minister John Barilaro landed the coveted US-based position shortly after quitting politics.

Cabinet took over responsibility for the appointment of the trade commissioners after Mr Barilaro raised the matter in September 2021 – weeks before he resigned from parliament.

Asked whether he’d agreed to Mr Barilaro’s proposal, Mr Perrottet who was then treasurer said there was an “overwhelming” view these matters should be matters to be determined by the cabinet.

“There was already a view that these matters were ministerial appointments because that was the process that was occurring,” he said.

The premier is expected to be quizzed later on Wednesday about teacher shortages.

-AAP