NSW Tertiary Education Minister, Tim Crakanthorp, has been sacked by NSW Premier Chris Minns and referred to ICAC after he reportedly failed to disclose “significant family commercial holdings” held by his wife in the state’s Hunter region.
Premier Chris Minns called a snap media briefing this afternoon to announce the Minister’s departure.
“I have formed the view that Mr Crakanthorp has failed to comply with his obligations under the Ministerial Code of Conduct to promptly notify me of a potential conflict of interest,” said the Premier.
“This has given rise to concerns that he may have acted in matters in which he had a conflict between his public duties and the property interests of members of his family.
“This is unacceptable and I have referred the matter to the ICAC.”
He said Mr Crakanthorp’s failure to comply with the letter and the spirit of the Ministerial Code of Conduct had caused him to lose confidence in his ability to discharge his duties as a Minister.
“In light of this, I have asked Mr Crakanthorp to resign and he has agreed.”
“On forming Government, I clearly set out my expectations to my Ministers that they conduct themselves with the highest integrity to maintain the public’s trust in government,” said Mr Minns.
Deputy Premier Prue Car (pictured, left) will assume responsibility as interim Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Training.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley (pictured, right) will assume responsibility as interim Minister for the Hunter.
