NSW MP John Sidoti leaves Liberal Party to sit on crossbench after ICAC announce inquiry into his property dealings – ABC News

NSW Liberal MP John Sidoti has joined the crossbench after the state's corruption watchdog announced it would hold a public inquiry into his property dealings.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will probe allegations Mr Sidoti improperly used his influence to advance developments around Five Dock, in Sydney's inner-west, between 2011 and 2018.

Mr Sidoti the Member for Drummoyne stood aside as NSW sports minister in September 2019, after ICAC began investigating his property investments.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Sidoti announced he would "remove himself from the Liberal Party Room" while the investigation was underway.

In a statement, he said he has "always acted with integrity and honour" and "absolutely rejects" the allegations raised against him.

"However, I am concerned that my presence in the Liberal Party Room may be used as a distraction by the media and my political opponents," he said.

"For that reason I have decided to voluntarily remove myself from the Liberal Party Room, and sit on the crossbench, for the duration of the ICAC investigation and I look forward to returning to it after my name has been cleared."

AAP: Joel Carrett

Earlier today, in light of the ICAC announcement, Premier Gladys Berejiklian revealed Mr Sidoti had officially resigned from the ministry.

He was referred to ICAC by Greens MP David Shoebridge, just hours after Ms Berejiklian announced a separate review into Mr Sidoti's alleged dealings.

Speaking at a media conference today, Ms Berejiklian said she had limited information about the public inquiry.

"I spoke to him briefly [this morning], he offered his resignation from the ministry, which I accepted and on that basis I will be appointing a new minister in the near future," she said.

The two probes were sparked after Mr Sidoti fronted a fiery budget estimates hearing, where he was grilled over his investments and denied any wrongdoing.

In a statement, ICAC said its public hearings would focus on whether Mr Sidoti improperly influenced others to:

The properties are opposite a site designated by the NSW government for a metro station due to be completed in the next decade.

ICAC is also investigating allegations Mr Sidoti failed to disclose several business and personal financial interests between 2011 and 2019.

Chief Commissioner Peter Hall QC will preside at the public inquiry, and barrister Rob Rankin will be counsel assisting.

At the time he stood down as sports minister, Mr Sidoti said: "The allegations made against me by the media, and exacerbated by the Opposition and the crossbench in budget estimates and Parliament, are false and inaccurate."

"I deny any allegations of wrongdoing. I have no undeclared conflicts of interest or benefits."

Ms Berejiklian said Geoff Lee would continue to serve as Acting Sports Minister until she had determined a replacement.

When the ABC contacted Mr Sidoti's electorate office for comment today, staff said they had not yet been told about the public hearings.

The public hearing will begin on March 29 and is expected to last four weeks.

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NSW MP John Sidoti leaves Liberal Party to sit on crossbench after ICAC announce inquiry into his property dealings - ABC News