Senator Arthur Sinodinos has issued a statement denying that he has broken the law in relation to the NSW Electoral Commission’s decision to withhold public funding to the Liberal Party because of undisclosed donors.
Sinodinos is Cabinet Secretary in the Turnbull government and a key backer of the Prime Minister. He says the Electoral Commission did not accuse him of setting up a slush fund or breaking the law. “I have never been accused of corruption. I deny any wrongdoing or illegality.”
The statement from Sinodinos is shown below.
Statement from Senator Arthur Sinodinos (Liberal-NSW).
Statement – NSW Electoral Commission
It is for the NSW Division of the Liberal Party to deal with the NSW Electoral Commission’s decision to withhold funding.
Despite what Labor says, the NSW Electoral Commission decision does not accuse me of setting up a slush fund or breaking the law. I have never been accused of corruption. I deny any wrongdoing or illegality.
Regrettably, parts of the Electoral Commission’s Summary of Facts used loose language which could convey erroneous impressions.
My lawyers, Arnold Bloch Liebler, have written to the Electoral Commission seeking a retraction.
My sworn evidence to the ICAC has been on the public record for all to see since 2014. My lawyers’ letter to the Electoral Commission sets out the relevant evidence.
I have always sought to respect the ICAC process. I have consistently made clear that I will not provide a running commentary.
I have not been a party to the Federal Court civil case since August 2015. The settlement terms are confidential. I will not be commenting on the case.
Finally, I will not be responding to the publication of unsubstantiated rumours, gossip or scuttlebutt.
