Labor to demand answers from Sports Minister John Sidoti
Labor will attempt to force John Sidoti to explain himself in parliament this week if the Sports Minister is cleared of any wrongdoing for his role in an alleged property development scandal.
NSW
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Exclusive: Laborwill launch a special motion in parliament this week if besieged Sports Minister John Sidoti is cleared over an alleged property development scandal.
The ALP want to force Mr Sidoti to explain how he and his family acquired property in Five Dock and Rouse Hill that turned out to be near sites of potential transport hubs.
Questions about the role of MPs and whether they should be allowed to develop properties are also expected to be asked in parliament this week.
Both houses resume sitting tomorrow after the three-week pause for budget estimates.
Drummoyne MP Mr Sidoti has been under fire after The Daily Telegraph revealed a Chinese property developer linked to him had illegally donated to the Liberal Party.
This money has now been refunded.
The Telegraph also revealed Mr Sidoti has a share in a proposed development at Rouse Hill near Tallawong Railway Station and his parents own several properties in Five Dock that are expected to increase in value if a Metro West station is built nearby.
Mr Sidoti is currently the Sports Minister but was previously the parliamentary secretary for the cabinet, planning and transport.
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Premier Gladys Berejiklian last week was forced to announce an independent review into Mr Sidoti’s pecuniary interests and his ministerial obligations.
While Mr Sidoti has strongly denied all wrongdoing, Labor has referred the matter to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Opposition business spokesman Ryan Park said Mr Sidoti needed to explain to the people of NSW how he and his family acquired the properties in Five Dock and Rouse Hill — next to planned major rail stations.
“The public has a right to a full explanation of John Sidoti’s property dealings. At the moment all they have had is two hours of stonewalling. People expect more of their politicians and he has a duty to front up and tell people (about the properties),” he said.
“If the Premier fails to act again then I will bring on a motion to force him to tell the parliament and the people of NSW the whole truth.
“If the Liberals block the motion then they are complicit in a cover-up.”