NSW Liberal MP John Sidoti has joined the crossbench after the state's corruption watchdog announced it would hold a public inquiry into his property dealings.<\/p>\n
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will probe allegations Mr Sidoti improperly used his influence to advance developments around Five Dock, in Sydney's inner-west, between 2011 and 2018.<\/p>\n
Mr Sidoti the Member for Drummoyne stood aside as NSW sports minister in September 2019, after ICAC began investigating his property investments.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Sidoti announced he would \"remove himself from the Liberal Party Room\" while the investigation was underway.<\/p>\n
In a statement, he said he has \"always acted with integrity and honour\" and \"absolutely rejects\" the allegations raised against him.<\/p>\n
\"However, I am concerned that my presence in the Liberal Party Room may be used as a distraction by the media and my political opponents,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"For that reason I have decided to voluntarily remove myself from the Liberal Party Room, and sit on the crossbench, for the duration of the ICAC investigation and I look forward to returning to it after my name has been cleared.\"<\/p>\n
AAP: Joel Carrett<\/p>\n
Earlier today, in light of the ICAC announcement, Premier Gladys Berejiklian revealed Mr Sidoti had officially resigned from the ministry.<\/p>\n
He was referred to ICAC by Greens MP David Shoebridge, just hours after Ms Berejiklian announced a separate review into Mr Sidoti's alleged dealings.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a media conference today, Ms Berejiklian said she had limited information about the public inquiry.<\/p>\n
\"I spoke to him briefly [this morning], he offered his resignation from the ministry, which I accepted and on that basis I will be appointing a new minister in the near future,\" she said.<\/p>\n
The two probes were sparked after Mr Sidoti fronted a fiery budget estimates hearing, where he was grilled over his investments and denied any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n
In a statement, ICAC said its public hearings would focus on whether Mr Sidoti improperly influenced others to:<\/p>\n
The properties are opposite a site designated by the NSW government for a metro station due to be completed in the next decade.<\/p>\n
ICAC is also investigating allegations Mr Sidoti failed to disclose several business and personal financial interests between 2011 and 2019.<\/p>\n
Chief Commissioner Peter Hall QC will preside at the public inquiry, and barrister Rob Rankin will be counsel assisting.<\/p>\n
At the time he stood down as sports minister, Mr Sidoti said: \"The allegations made against me by the media, and exacerbated by the Opposition and the crossbench in budget estimates and Parliament, are false and inaccurate.\"<\/p>\n
\"I deny any allegations of wrongdoing. I have no undeclared conflicts of interest or benefits.\"<\/p>\n
Ms Berejiklian said Geoff Lee would continue to serve as Acting Sports Minister until she had determined a replacement.<\/p>\n
When the ABC contacted Mr Sidoti's electorate office for comment today, staff said they had not yet been told about the public hearings.<\/p>\n
The public hearing will begin on March 29 and is expected to last four weeks.<\/p>\n
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NSW MP John Sidoti leaves Liberal Party to sit on crossbench after ICAC announce inquiry into his property dealings - ABC News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" NSW Liberal MP John Sidoti has joined the crossbench after the state's corruption watchdog announced it would hold a public inquiry into his property dealings. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will probe allegations Mr Sidoti improperly used his influence to advance developments around Five Dock, in Sydney's inner-west, between 2011 and 2018 Continue reading