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In just a matter of weeks the Berejiklian governmentâs majority has dissolved, with scandal after scandal forcing Coalition MPs to the crossbench or out of Parliament altogether.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklianâs government has been plunged into minority.
Credit:James Alcock
March 3 - John Sidoti
Liberal member for Drummoyne and former sports minister John Sidoti announces he will move to the crossbench after the Independent Commission Against Corruption confirms it will hold a public inquiry into his conduct.
Mr Sidotiâs move reduces the Berejiklian governmentâs majority to just one seat in the Legislative Assembly.
The ICAC is investigating whether Mr Sidoti used his position to improperly influence local Liberal councillors between 2011 and 2018. It is alleged he engaged town planners and persistently lobbied council to rezone blocks where his family owned property.
What transpired yesterday was extremely concerning and distressing, the premier said this morning. He s denied any wrongdoing. I asked him if police had contacted him, and he said no.
Ms Berejiklian said Mr Ward had done absolutely the right thing by standing aside in the party room. None of us will tolerate behaviour which is regarded as completely unacceptable, Ms Berejiklian said. I think the standards are pretty clear, and if you breach those standards you will be treated accordingly.
Yesterday Mr Ward announced he would leave the frontbench, where he served as Families Minister, and sit on the crossbench as an independent.
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$400,000 contract awarded for Windang project
The NSW Government has awarded a significant civil construction contract to an Indigenous company from Nowra to restore a waterfront reserve at Windang.
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP announced the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands has awarded the contract to ALI Civil Pty Ltd to restore the site that is of Aboriginal significance.
“The NSW Government has provided $400,000 from its COVID-19 stimulus program to remove a derelict block of units from waterfront Crown land to create more green public open space for the Illawarra,” Mr Ward said.
“The project will allow for the sensitive restoration of the land at 17 Judbooley Parade to benefit the entire community while protecting Aboriginal relics on site.
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$687,500 stimulus upgrades for Kiama Showground
One of Australia’s great country showgrounds is set for a major refurbishment thanks to the NSW Government and Kiama Council.
The historic Kiama Showground will undergo extensive repairs and refurbishments worth $687,500 over the next 12 months.
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said the investment in the iconic showground precinct, which dates back to 1908, was supported by the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program.
“The Kiama Showground is arguably the most beautiful and recognised Showground in regional Australia, and a crucial part of our community’s heritage and public life,” Mr Ward said.
“The showground has hosted the Kiama Show for more than a century, been the home of the Kiama Rugby Club and Kiama Knights Rugby League Club, as well as the setting for movies, rock concerts, car shows and innumerable weddings.