Former New South Wales minister John Sidoti has pledged to contest a misconduct in public office charge linked to an investigation into his property dealings. Sidoti, who served in the Berejiklian government and did not run in the 2023 state election, faces the charge following the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s (ICAC) Operation Witney investigation.

Sidoti is scheduled to appear in court on July 16 to respond to the single count against him. The charge stems from ICAC’s 2022 report, which detailed findings that Sidoti engaged in a sustained effort to improperly influence Canada Bay Liberal councillors between late 2013 and February 2017. According to the report, Sidoti repeatedly contacted and lobbied councillors in pursuit of planning changes aimed at increasing the development potential of properties owned by him and his family, including alterations that would permit taller buildings.

ICAC’s report stated that the councillors were pressured to deliver outcomes that served Sidoti’s private interests by enhancing the value and scale of family-held properties near the town centre. The watchdog characterized the conduct as a prolonged course of improper influence.

In a statement responding to the charge, Sidoti described the allegations as having a devastating personal impact. He said the accusations do not reflect his version of events and expressed frustration over what he called a lack of accountability in how the matter has been reported. Sidoti welcomed the opportunity to have the court process allow him to present his side and clear his name.

“My life has been ruined and I’ve never told my side of the story, I’ve never been able to give my version of events,” he said. “If you read those stories, they’re just so far from the truth, it’s not funny and there’s been no accountability at all. I welcome the opportunity because I want to get on with my life and I want to clear my name, and this has been the first opportunity I’ve had in that process.”

The proceedings mark a significant development following the conclusion of Operation Witney, which exposed alleged misconduct involving Sidoti’s actions during his tenure as a government minister. The case will proceed in the New South Wales judicial system, where Sidoti will have the opportunity to respond formally to the allegations.