Ministerial meeting notes confirm the NSW government knew extra funding totalling millions of dollars was needed to fill caseworker vacancies in child protection, the opposition claims.
But Family and Community Services Minister Pru Goward has rejected the suggestion, saying it is based on a "dodgy premise from another pinched document".
Minutes from a June 11 meeting show Ms Goward was advised that millions of dollars would be required if the promised 2068 caseworkers posts were to be delivered.
NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson said the "secret" documents also revealed that Ms Goward requested a cabinet minute be prepared seeking additional funds to fill the posts.
Asked about the notes in question time, Ms Goward replied "what happens in cabinet stays in cabinet".
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
She also accused the opposition of hitting her with almost 50 questions based on a "dodgy premise or a misrepresentation or a lie".
"The government has provided funding for 2068 caseworkers," she told parliament.
"If there is funding for 2068 caseworkers, the government expects to see 2068 on the ground.
"I have made that clear to my department and I instructed the former director-general to fill all budgeted case worker positions in March this year."
When Labor MP Nathan Rees asked if she had ever been advised by her department that a funding boost was needed, she said it was "another dodgy premise from another pinched document".
It comes after an internal briefing note released last week showed that authorities intentionally took their time filling caseworker vacancies as part of a statewide strategy to manage budget pressures in child protection.
Mr Robertson said the note was further evidence Ms Goward has been misleading parliament over backfilling practices.
