Former NSW Minister Honored at Liberal Fundraiser Despite Serious Corruption Finding
A former New South Wales minister, who was found by the Independent Commission Against Corruption to have engaged in serious corrupt conduct, has been publicly celebrated as one of the esteemed luminaries of the Liberal party at a recent election fundraiser. The event was headlined by the state opposition leader, Kellie Sloane, drawing significant attention and raising questions about political accountability.
Fundraiser Event Details and Attendees
John Sidoti, a former Liberal minister and state member for Drummoyne, attended a re-election campaign launch event last week for his successor as MP, Stephanie Di Pasqua. The event was emceed by a staff member from Sloane's parliamentary office, who acknowledged Sidoti's presence during opening speeches, prompting applause and cheers from the audience.
In 2022, Icac concluded that Sidoti had engaged in serious corrupt conduct to benefit his family's property interests. Despite this finding, he was warmly received at the fundraiser, which also featured state and federal parliamentarians, including Sloane, NSW deputy leader Natalie Ward, shadow ministers Tim James and Chris Rath, and federal senator Jessica Collins.
Political Context and Controversy
Under Sloane's leadership, the NSW opposition has faced criticism for perceived insufficient support for the corruption watchdog. Icac has investigated several Liberal figures, including former premier Gladys Berejiklian, who resigned in 2021 amid the probe. The Coalition has previously opposed legislation to strengthen Icac's powers, though it ultimately supported a bill after public pressure.
Sloane has stated her desire for Icac to use its fullest investigative powers but proposed a warrant system, which was not adopted by the Minns government. A spokesperson for Sloane clarified that she was not informed of Sidoti's attendance prior to the event and that her staff member hosted in a voluntary capacity as part of the local party executive.
Sidoti's Response and Background
Sidoti told media that he had popped into the event as the former local member without purchasing a ticket, planning to stay briefly but was asked to remain for speeches. He expressed being pleasantly surprised by the positive response from attendees and mentioned briefly speaking with Sloane to wish her luck in the next election.
The former minister served as sports minister in 2019 before stepping aside due to the Icac investigation into allegations he influenced councillors regarding family properties in Five Dock between 2013 and 2017. Icac recommended potential charges for misconduct in public office, but the Director of Public Prosecutions has yet to act. Sidoti maintains his innocence, criticizing Icac as a non-judicial body and lamenting the lack of presumption of innocence.
Post-Political Developments and Implications
Despite calls for his resignation from then-premier Dominic Perrottet, Sidoti remained as MP for Drummoyne until 2023, when he did not seek re-election. He has since rejoined the Liberal party but claims no significant donations beyond membership fees. The fundraiser, with tickets ranging from $220 to $2,000, highlights reported Liberal fundraising challenges ahead of the 2027 election.
The NSW Liberals stated that Sidoti was not on the registered attendee list, and neither Sloane nor the party responded to questions about the appropriateness of his presence. This incident underscores ongoing debates about political integrity and the role of corruption watchdogs in Australian politics.
