Coronavirus: Images of lavish 'farm' visited by NSW Deputy Premier after police clear him of breaking rules
Pictures of the lavish 'weekend farm' owned by NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro have emerged, after he was cleared of breaching coronavirus restrictions by travelling there.
Police Deputy Commissioner of NSW, Gary Worboys, flagged a potential investigation into the Deputy Premier's travel to determine if it breached the Public Health Act by being non-essential, earlier today.
Mr Barilaro travelled from his main residence in Jerrabomberra in Queanbeyan , NSW to his rural property 120km away in Nerriga, south-east of the state on Saturday. Supplied
Mr Barilaro travelled from his main residence in Jerrabomberra in Queanbeyan , NSW to his rural property 120km away in Nerriga, south-east of the state on Saturday.
The luxurious home is set in its own extensive grounds, bordering on a lake.
A promotional video describes it as an architect-designed "ultimate holiday retreat".
It features an opulent kitchen and huge lounge room.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro speaks to the media on Monday, after visiting his family's property in Nerriga over the weekend. AAP
Earlier this week Barilaro said at a press conference he was "down at the farm" at the weekend with his four-and-a half year old son and built a cubby house.
Today, he defended the trip, saying it was allowed.
"I attended the property to feed the chickens, mow the lawns and tend to maintenance and care, as permitted within the rules," he said.
"I've done nothing wrong," he said.
"This is what's unfair, you're guilty until proven innocent, as a politician."
The luxurious home is set in its own extensive grounds, bordering on a lake. Supplied
Pictures of the lavish 'weekend farm' owned by NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro have emerged, after he was cleared of breaching coronavirus restrictions by travelling there Supplied
However, last month senior liberal and arts minister Don Hawin was fined and forced to resign for going to his Central Coast holiday home from Sydney.
At the time Barilaro said he was "bloody angry" about the trip.
"It looks like politicians believe they are above the rules," he said.
This afternoon, NSW Police issued a statement confirming Mr Barilaro didn't break the rules.
The state eased its COVID-19 stay-at-home order last Friday to allow up to two adults and dependent children to visit another household anywhere in the state for the purpose of care. Supplied
The property is architect-designed, according to a promotional video. Supplied
The state eased its COVID-19 stay-at-home order last Friday to allow up to two adults and any dependent children to visit another household anywhere in the state for the purpose of care.
The decision by NSW Police comes after a public spat between Mr Barilaro and fellow frontbencher Andrew Constance, with Mr Constance accusing the Nationals leader of "smearing" him as he made a bid for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro.
Both frontbenchers have now ruled themselves out of running for pre-selection at Eden-Monaro.
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