The Assistant Treasurer Senator Arthur Sinodinos has stood down from the front bench in the wake of his involvement in a major corruption case, it has just been announced.
Sinodinos made a short announcement at the beginning of senate question time today in response to allegations of his involvement with Australian Water Holdings, which is currently at the centre of an inquiry that’s landed front of the NSW Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) due to its links with crooked former powerbroker Eddie Obeid.
The inquiry is also exploring whether or not Obeid lobbied Labor colleagues on behalf of the company.
Soon after Sinodinos’ announcement, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he had done the right thing.
"Senator Sinodinos has done the right and decent thing as you'd expect and for someone who has given out country such long and faithful service," he said. "I look forward to his restoration to the ministry.”
In the meantime Sinodinos’ ministerial duties will be undertaken by the minister for finance.
