PHOTO: Barry O’Farrell and Chris Hartcher at a NSW Service Centre opening on the Central Coast last month.
NSW Energy Minister, Chris Hartcher, has quit his portfolio after a search warrant of his office was issued by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
In September, ICAC officers reportedly searched the Central Coast offices of Chris Spence and Darren Webber. There were reports computers and documents were seized in relation to claims of irregularities in donations.
Meantime a senior staff member of Energy Minister Chris Hartcher, Tim Koelma, resigned last year and his electorate officer Ray Carter was suspended.
However Mr Hartcher says he’ll continue to serve as member for Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast and is confident he’ll be cleared of any wrongdoing.
A statement was released by Mr Hartcher this morning, stating it was the first contact he has had with ICAC.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has accepted his resignation, stating Mr Hartcher felt it necessary to resign in the interests of the investigation.
“While the investigation is ongoing and in the interests of the Government, he feels it appropriate to resign from the ministry”.
“I thank Mr Hartcher for his services to the Government and the State,” he said.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell says Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts will be appointed acting Minister for Mr Hartcher’s portfolios, Minister for Resources and Energy, Special Minister of State and Minister for the Central Coast.
Mr O’Farrell also said Stuart Ayres, the Member for Penrith, Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney and former Government Whip would fill the vacant ministry position.
Mr Ayres will be sworn-in on Monday when portfolio arrangements would also be announced.
Mr Hartcher says he won’t be making any other comment while the matter is before the ICAC.
