The Greek-Australian Federal Assistant Treasurer, Arthur Sinodinos temporarily resigned due to his alleged involvement in a corruption case back in 2008. Sinodinos decided to step down from his position in order to testify before the committee investigating the case.
“I do not want this sideshow to be an unnecessary distraction to important work of the government, which I am proud to serve,” Sinodinos said in the Australian Parliament while he expressed confidence that the truth will shine and that he will return to government. He thanked the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott and his colleagues for their support.
The temporary resignation of the Federal Assistant Treasurer was announced by Tony Abbott himself who stated that Sinodinos has his full confidence. Sinodinos had served as an advisor to the former Prime Minister, John Howard and he is one of the most important officials of the current government.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigating the case claimed that Synodinos as a director of the “Australian Water Holdings,” had gained 20 million dollars from a contract with the public water utility of New South Wales, “Sydney Water.” ICAC is also investigating whether Senator Sinodinos’s placement on the company board was aimed at opening lines of communication with the Liberals.
Apart from the Prime Minister, several MPs and senators publicly supported Synodinos. Opposition MPs requested his resignation, while the leader of the Labour Party, Bill Shorten asked Abbott to give explanations.
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