Ex-NSW Liberal minister says misconduct claims' impacts 'disgraceful'

Former NSW Liberal minister John Sidoti described the impact of misconduct allegations as "disgraceful" and "horrible," stating they destroyed his political career, his parents' health, and his children's lives. Speaking outside Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court, Sidoti lamented the five-year wait for his case to be heard, declaring, "Justice delayed is justice denied."

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Justice delayed is justice denied.

Sidoti is contesting a single charge of attempting to improperly influence councillors at the City of Canada Bay Council between 2014 and 2016. These allegations stem from a 2022 Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry, which found he engaged in serious corrupt conduct and recommended criminal charges. The ICAC report detailed how Sidoti allegedly lobbied councillors to relax planning controls to benefit three properties owned by his family in Five Dock.

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Five years I've been waiting for this day.

He vehemently denied attempting to influence councillors, calling the idea "ridiculous" and asserting that the presumption of innocence and the rule of law had not applied to him. "I've waited for my first chance to say this in court under a judicial system," he stated.

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And my parents' health, and my family life, and my children's life. It's just horrible.

During the court session, the Crown requested bail conditions, including prohibiting contact with potential witnesses. However, Sidoti's barrister successfully opposed this, arguing the prosecution lacked evidence of witness interference. The defense characterized the case as being based on "a few emails" and alleged conversations, calling the prosecution's claims "laughable" given Sidoti's long-standing community ties and his family's known property interests.

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I've waited for my first chance to say this in court under a judicial system. The presumption of innocence and the rule of law, that's just never applied to me.