Cabinet Secretary Arthur Sinodinos has been told no corruption findings have been made against him by the the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
The announcement comes nearly two years after Senator Sinodinos’ political career was put on hold (despite the fact no direct allegations of impropriety were made against him) after appearing as a witness in an ICAC investigation into whether donations from Sydney Water were given fraudulently to the Liberal Party via Australian Water Holdings (AWH).
Senator Sinodinos held director and chairman positions at AWH while holding the post of honorary finance director, and later president, of the NSW branch of the Liberal Party.
Breaking the news on Thursday, The Australian speculated that while ICAC is no longer pursuing allegations against Senator Sinodinos, “it is possible there will be commentary or criticism from ICAC commissioner Megan Latham regarding Senator Sinodinos’ ability or performance as a company director”.
Senator Sinodinos, who was chief of staff to former prime minister John Howard, stood aside as assistant treasurer in March 2014 and resigned from the position in December that year. He was reinstated by Malcolm Turnbull to cabinet secretary last September.
Approached to comment by Neos Kosmos, Senator Sinodinos declined to comment for “legal reasons” but said he would issue a statement after ICAC’s final report is published.
