NSW MP John Sidoti has been suspended from parliament after he was found to have engaged in serious corrupt conduct.
Key points:
- Mr Sidoti addressed parliament before the vote
- He rejected a request to resign last month from the Premier
- The member for Drummoyne has vowed to fight the ICAC’s finding and clear his name
The NSW government moved a motion to suspend the former Liberal MP, after the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) made a serious corrupt finding against him last month.
Labor and the crossbench supported the motion, which will see Mr Sidoti suspended until at least the end of the parliament sitting year in November.
Mr Sidoti, the member for Drummoyne, strongly denies any wrongdoing and addressed parliament before the vote.
“I am glad to finally address matters that have impacted my life, my family’s lives and the community I serve,” he said.
“Not one shred of evidence existed to support these allegations.
“The gutter elements of the media created a story of misconduct.
“They alleged that any errors of disclosure indicated attempts to hide wealth acquired through illegal means.
“A complete fantasy, there is no extraordinary wealth.
“Our disclosure guidelines are confusing and I found them complex.”
Mr Sidoti was once the sports minister but has been sitting on the crossbench while the corruption watchdog investigated.
The matter has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
Mr Sidoti is also planning legal action.
“To clear your name is a long, expensive process,” he said.
“I’m lodging an appeal in the Supreme Court this week, I’ll be making a submission to have the matter expedited.”
The ICAC found Mr Sidoti improperly used his position to influence the redevelopment of the Five Dock town centre.
The ICAC report said Mr Sidoti wanted planning controls relaxed so that three properties his family owned could benefit from development potential.
Premier Dominic Perrottet phoned Mr Sidoti after the findings, asking him to resign from parliament.
Mr Sidoti said he gave the Premier a two-word answer.
He is the second government MP to be suspended in a motion brought by the government.
Gareth Ward was suspended in March, while he faces indecent and sexual assault charges, he denies the allegations.
.