Chris Minns to overhaul anti-corruption rules after Gladys Berejiklian and John Sidoti ICAC probes

NSW politicians could be forced to disclose more information about their financial interests and those of their immediate family.

Former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian.

NSW politicians could be forced to disclose more information about their financial interests and those of their immediate family under proposed sweeping changes by the Minns government.

The possible tightening and strengthening of disclosures, the state government said, comes after it accepted recommendations from the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s operations into former premier Gladys Berejiklian and ex-MP John Sidoti.

Under the proposed changes, which are planned to be introduced from July 1, MPs would be required to “expand” their disclosed interests and lodge disclosures on an “ongoing basis”.

The new reforms would also tighten guidelines surrounding grant applications by non-government entities and boost anti-corruption education programs for members.

The government also planned to amend the preamble to the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct to include principles of selflessness, integrity and honesty, meaning a breach could lead to a corrupt finding in future ICAC investigations.

NSW Premier Chris Minns. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

The proposed changes are on the back of recommendations from ICAC’s Operations Keppel and Whitney.

Operation Keppel investigated former premier Ms Berejiklian and her failure to disclose her relationship with disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire, while Whitney probed then-Drummoyne member Mr Sidoti, which found he had attempted to assert improper influence over local government decisions in order to benefit his family’s property holdings.

Ms Berejiklian is appealing ICAC’s finding of “serious corrupt conduct” in the NSW Supreme Court.

Premier Chris Minns said restoring trust in the state’s politicians was essential.

“Restoring trust in government is of the highest priority and we’re pleased to build on our integrity reform agenda,” he said.

“It’s critical that our expectations of every minister and every member are made clear.

“The people of NSW need to have faith that politicians and elected officials are acting in the public interest. That faith is central to a working and healthy democracy.”

Special Minister of State John Graham said there was “no place” for corruption in parliament and the reforms would ensure each MP was “held to the highest standard”.

“We will continue to back our independent integrity agencies and be unapologetic about responding decisively to their recommendations for the good of our state,” he said.