The inquiry into the controversial appointment of John Barilaro to a plum US trade position has begun this morning with the revelation that taxpayers are fronting a $900,000 bill for the Manhattan office fit-out.

The eye-watering cost comes atop the $500,000 per-year Trade Commissioner salary plus rent costs and other expenses.

NSW opposition leader Penny Sharpe joined Luke Grant on Drive to talk about the revelation.

“We’ll be looking very closely at what that was. People will be just infuriated by that,” she said.

Questions have also been raised as to whether Mr Barilaro could be compensated if he is stripped of the position.

“The committee has asked for that contract to be produced … the public has a reasonable right to know,” Ms Sharpe said.

Press PLAY below to hear more details on the first day of the John Barilaro inquiry

Image: Getty