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Operation Witney public notice

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will hold a public inquiry as part of an investigation it is conducting into allegations concerning the State Member for Drummoyne, the Hon John Sidoti MP.

The Commission is investigating allegations that, between 26 March 2011 and 6 February 2018, Mr Sidoti improperly influenced another person, or persons, to dishonestly or partially exercise any of their official functions in respect of: advancing amendments to development controls affecting land between Second Avenue and Barnstaple Road on Waterview Street, Five Dock; and/or any rezoning of the land and/or any proposals to develop the land situated at 120, 122 and 124 Great North Road, Five Dock, and 2 Second Avenue, Five Dock.

The Commission is also examining whether, between 30 June 2011 and 30 June 2019, Mr Sidoti engaged in a breach of public trust by failing to make a number of pecuniary interest disclosures contrary to his obligations to do so under the Constitution (Disclosures by Members) Regulation 1983, the NSW Parliament Code of Conduct for Members and the Ministerial Code of Conduct.

The public inquiry will commence at 10:00 am on Monday 29 March 2021 in the Commission’s hearing room on Level 7, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the interests of public health and safety, the ICAC premises will not be open for public attendance. The proceedings will be live streamed via the Commission’s website at www.icac.nsw.gov.au.

Persons claiming to be substantially and directly interested in this matter may seek leave to be represented at the inquiry, and are invited to contact Ms Sabina Aielli no later than 4:00 pm on Wednesday 24 March 2021 via email at saielli@icac.nsw.gov.au to advise of their interest.

Members of the public with information relevant to the investigation are encouraged to provide it in writing at GPO Box 500, Sydney, NSW 2001, or by email to icac@icac.nsw.gov.au. The ICAC will treat all information confidentially and has legislative powers to protect people who provide information to the Commission.

Roy Waldon

Solicitor to the Commission