Exclusive: John Sidoti Receives Applause at Campaign Event for Successor
John Sidoti, a former New South Wales minister and state member for Drummoyne, was recognized as one of the “esteemed luminaries of the Liberal party” at a recent election fundraiser. The event, headlined by state opposition leader Kellie Sloane, was held last week to support Sidoti’s successor, Stephanie Di Pasqua.
Sidoti left the Liberal party in 2021 amid an investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac). Despite this, he attended the re-election campaign launch for Di Pasqua, who previously worked as his staffer.
The event was emceed by a staff member from Sloane’s parliamentary office. In footage reviewed by Australia, the emcee acknowledged Sidoti’s presence after welcoming state and federal parliamentarians, including Sloane herself.
“We’ve also got several esteemed luminaries of the Liberal party, most importantly, our former member for Drummoyne, John Sidoti – thank you for coming this evening John,”
the emcee said, prompting applause and cheers from attendees.
Background on Icac Findings and Political Context
In 2022, Icac found that Sidoti had engaged in conduct to benefit his family’s property interests. Under Sloane’s leadership, the NSW opposition has faced criticism for perceived insufficient support for the corruption watchdog, which has investigated multiple Liberal leaders and members, including former premier Gladys Berejiklian. Berejiklian resigned in 2021 following the investigation.
Former Liberal premier Barry O’Farrell, who resigned in 2014 after admitting to misleading Icac, opposed a bill to grant Icac permanent powers to use unlawful recordings in investigations. Sloane stated in parliament last month that she wanted the watchdog to “use its fullest investigative powers when conducting its current inquiries” but proposed a warrant system, which was not supported by the Minns government. Ultimately, the Coalition backed down and supported the bill’s passage.
Event Attendance and Reactions
A spokesperson for Sloane confirmed her attendance at the fundraising event organized by the NSW Liberal Party, which had approximately 130 attendees and several VIP guests.
“Ms Sloane was not advised of Mr Sidoti’s attendance prior to her arrival at the event.”
Other attendees at the Drummoyne event included NSW deputy leader Natalie Ward, shadow ministers Tim James and Chris Rath, as well as federal senator and deputy opposition whip Jessica Collins.
Sidoti told Australia he had “popped in” as the former local member without purchasing a ticket, and because he knew the owners of the venue, Aqua Luna. He said he had planned to stay for only 10 to 15 minutes but was asked to remain for the speeches.
“And I got mentioned in the speeches,”
he said, adding that he stayed for about an hour and was “pleasantly surprised” by the response from other attendees.
Sidoti also mentioned a brief conversation with Sloane:
“I wished her best of luck at her next election.”
Sidoti’s Political Career and Icac Investigation
Sidoti served as sports minister in 2019 before stepping aside pending the Icac investigation into allegations that he used his parliamentary role to influence Liberal City of Canada Bay councillors regarding several properties in Five Dock between late 2013 and early 2017.
The watchdog recommended that the director of public prosecutions consider charging Sidoti with misconduct in public office. Sidoti stepped down from the Liberal party when public hearings were announced but has maintained his innocence. The DPP has not yet brought any charges against him.
“I’m waiting for my day in court,”
he told Australia, describing Icac as a “non-judicial body.” Icac corruption findings, which are not legally binding, can be appealed on limited procedural grounds through judicial review. Berejiklian is appealing her corruption finding in 2024.
“I’m sad to call myself Australian … that you’re not afforded the presumption of innocence and the rule of law,”
Sidoti said.
“The system’s broken.”
Sidoti’s Departure and Successor
Despite calls from then-premier Dominic Perrottet for Sidoti to resign, he remained MP for Drummoyne until 2023, when he did not seek re-election. Stephanie Di Pasqua, a Canada Bay deputy mayor and Sidoti’s former electorate officer, won the seat. She declined to comment on the event.
Sidoti stated he rejoined the Liberal party about two years ago after leaving parliament but has not made any donations beyond his membership fee.
Fundraising Event Details and Liberal Party Response
The Drummoyne event occurred amid reported fundraising challenges for the Liberals less than a year before the March 2027 election.
Tickets for the three-course dinner ranged from $220 for individual registration to $2,000 for a table of 10. VIP tickets, which included seats at a table with Sloane and shadow ministers, were priced at $500.
A spokesperson for the NSW Liberals stated that Sidoti was not on the list of registered attendees for the event. Neither Sloane nor the NSW Liberals responded to questions regarding the appropriateness of Sidoti’s attendance.
