Mr Dunn said his memory was "fairly sketchy" but Mr Obeid had also made phone contact "within days" of him starting in the role.

The pair had met each other while Mr Dunn was the director-general of the fisheries department and Mr Obeid was the minister.

Mr Obeid, 72, is accused of wilful misconduct for failing to reveal to Mr Dunn his family had an interest in two cafes on wharves four and five at Circular Quay when lobbying Mr Dunn about the retail leases in 2007. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Crown has suggested Mr Dunn was "primed to be receptive" to Mr Obeid because the pair had a rapport.

The court has heard tenants on the wharves were seeking a renewal of their leases without competing in a public tender.