The NSW Labor party has been rocked by the resignation of Minister for Hunter Tim Crakanthorp on Wednesday afternoon.
It’s understood NSW Premier Chris Minns referred the Newcastle MP to the corruption watchdog on 2 August, after the local politician failed to disclose significant family land holdings in the region.
The state Leader believes the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education’s revelation could present itself as conflict of interest between his public duties and private interests.
Mr Crakanthorp provided a brief statement on 2 August.
“I have self-reported a breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct to Premier Chris Minns and resigned as a Minister in the NSW Government,” he said.
“However, I’ll continue as the Member for Newcastle.
“I will not be making further comment at this time.”
Despite the news, Mr Crakanthorp has an unlikely ally in Nationals Senator Ross Cadell, who’s thrown his support behind the MP.
“During my tenure at the Port of Newcastle, I was fortunate to have enjoyed a positive working relationship with Mr Crackanthorp,” he said.
“I have always respected his commitment to the city of Newcastle and its people, a dedication that never faltered.
“Over the past 12 months, since my election to the Australian Senate, Tim and I have continued to collaborate effectively, regardless of our varying political viewpoints.
“Today’s revelations from the Premier concerning land holdings by the family of Mr Crakanthorp’s wife come as no surprise to me as they are openly known.
“I would be very surprised if this was anything more than a clerical oversight.”
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