This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ordered an independent review into allegations involving Sports Minister John Sidoti over a property deal.
The Premier ordered the investigation after Labor said it would refer Minister Sidoti to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) by the end of the day if the Premier did not act.
“I believe the public’s confidence in the integrity of government decision making is absolutely paramount.
“That is why today I have asked the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet to conduct a review into allegations that have been made regarding Minister Sidoti’s disclosures and other obligations as a Minister,” Berejiklian said.
She added that she regarded “Mr Sidoti as a hard working MP and Minister and note he has given strong assurances that he has acted appropriately at all times,”
The Secretary will undertake a review of:
- The Minister’s compliance with the disclosure requirements of the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct during the relevant periods;
- Whether or not the Minister, in his current or previous roles, had access to confidential information that may have benefited his personal interest; and
- Whether or not any conflicts of interest were appropriately managed by the Minister in his current or previous roles.
Donations to the NSW Liberal Party organisation will not be the subject of this review.
According to the ABC, Minister Sidoti has been linked to a $1,750 political donation receiving from Chinese property developer Ming Shang in 2015, which the Liberal Party returned earlier this week.
The developer was developing a $70 million residential apartments project in Rouse Hill.
Sidoti who was Parliamentary Secretary of Planning at the time, declared a 10% interest in the development through a family company, JAFS Investment Trust, but is facing fresh allegations over his role in the approval process of an access road for the development.
