Former NSW Liberal minister John Sidoti has revealed he used an expletive in a phone call with Premier Dominic Perrottet after being asked to resign over an ICAC finding of serious corrupt conduct. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigated Sidoti's lobbying of councillors to rezone family-owned blocks in Sydney's inner west.
Speaking to 2GB's Ben Fordham, Sidoti recalled his 'rude' reply when Perrottet demanded his resignation on Wednesday. When asked what he said, Sidoti replied: 'The second word may have started with F. I don't remember exactly but it was words not usually in my vocabulary.' He issued a blunt 'no' when asked if he would resign from parliament, vowing to fight the finding.
ICAC found Sidoti engaged in serious corrupt conduct between late 2013 and February 2017 by using his position as an MP to pressure Canada Bay councillors to rezone land benefiting his family's property interests. Sidoti denies wrongdoing, insisting his business interests were well known. 'There's not a person who didn't know my family owned property there,' he said.
Premier Perrottet has called for Sidoti's resignation, stating the government will move a motion to suspend him if he does not step down. Labor leader Chris Minns said the opposition would support the motion. Sidoti plans to challenge the ICAC findings in the Supreme Court, saying: 'I know in my heart what I've done and haven't done, the reality is that I'm innocent.'
ICAC also recommended consideration of prosecution for misconduct in public office. Despite the controversy, Sidoti was reportedly cheered at a Liberal event following the finding, indicating ongoing support from some party members.
