The police minister of New South Wales resigned today after being linked to a plot to illegally funnel political donations from a property development group owned by the embattled Australian businessman Nathan Tinkler.
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption heard evidence that Mike Gallacher was involved in a scheme to funnel political donations from Buildev, which is owned by Mr Tinkler.
Former NSW Police Minister, Mike Gallacher. Photo: SUPPLIED
The inquiry has heard claims Mr Gallacher and former energy minister Chris Hartcher hatched a plan to hide donations from a development company controlled by mining magnate Nathan Tinkler to a business called Eightbyfive.
Property developers are banned from making political donations in the state, and the scheme is believed to have been devised to circumvent those rules in order to buy influence with the government.
Mr Gallacher said he should not remain in this office when such a serious allegation had been made against him.
Mr Gallacher, a former police officer who has been in the NSW Parliament since 1996, said he had spent his "entire life fighting corruption and crime" but he would stand aside for the well-being of the NSW Government.
Mr Gallacher says he was first made aware of the allegation this morning, and he was "disappointed" in the way it came to light.
"My understanding is that normally witnesses are afforded an opportunity to be appraised of the allegation ... the first I heard of it was [this morning]," he said.
"I don't even know what the allegation is - all I've heard this morning is that I have had a corrupt, long-standing relationship.
"I'm yet to see what the allegation is but I do not intend to have the Premier and the Parliamentary Party to be diverted by this."
Mr Gallacher would not answer questions regarding what what he knew about Eightbyfive because the matter is before the ICAC.
He would not speculate whether he would return to the ministry if he was exonerated.
