NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is facing a scandal in her government after the corruption watchdog confirmed it would hold a public inquiry into Drummoyne MP John Sidoti.
Mr Sidoti, the former sports minister, has been sidelined from the frontbench for more than 18 months while the Independent Commission of Inquiry conducted a preliminary investigation.
ICAC will hold a public inquiry into Drummoyne MP John Sidoti.Credit:Nick Moir
However, on Wednesday morning the commission confirmed it would move to a four-week public inquiry into accusations the Drummoyne MP “improperly influenced another person, or persons, to dishonestly or partially exercise any of their official functions” relating to development controls and rezoning of several blocks of land at Five Dock.
The revelation will force Ms Berejiklian to reshuffle her cabinet or redistribute Mr Sidoti’s portfolios to other ministers. Her office was not aware of the hearing when contacted.
Mr Sidoti has been contacted for comment.
The commission said it would also examine whether Mr Sidoti “engaged in a breach of public trust by failing to make a number of pecuniary interest disclosures contrary to his obligations to do so under the Constitution (Disclosures by Members) Regulation 1983, the NSW Parliament Code of Conduct for Members and the Ministerial Code of Conduct.”
The inquiry relates to Mr Sidoti’s property interests in Five Dock, near a future metro site.
Mr Sidoti surrendered his ministerial salary and entitlements indefinitely while awaiting the outcome of the preliminary hearing.
More to come