NSW Labor minister Tim Crakanthorp is sacked by NSW Premier Chris Minns in a major breach of the ministerial code of conduct

NSW Labor minister Tim Crakanthorp has been sacked by Premier Chris Minns after breaching the ministerial code of conduct.

The premier called a snap press conference on Wednesday afternoon to announce Mr Crakanthorp had been removed from cabinet – just four months after the government was elected. 

Mr Crakanthorp was the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, as well as Minister for the Hunter region.

He was asked to step down over a perceived conflict of interest issue after he failed to declare personal private land holdings held by his family in the Hunter region.

‘He has breached the ministerial code,’ Mr Minns said, adding the matter had been referred to ICAC.

‘I’ve lost confidence in his ability to be a minister in my government.’ 

The premier called a snap press conference on Wednesday afternoon to announce Mr Crakanthorp (pictured together) had been removed from cabinet

Mr Minns said he became aware of the commercial real estate holdings on Wednesday.

‘This has given rise to concerns that he may have acted in matters in which he had a conflict between his public duties and private interests of members of his family,’ he said. 

‘Mr Crakanthorp did not supply information about substantial private family holdings in the Hunter region until recently when he should have, constituting a clear breach of the ministerial code.’

When asked what the minister’s reasoning was, Mr Minns said it was a matter for Mr Crakanthorp to comment on.

Mr Crakanthorp was asked to step down over a conflict issue with personal private land holdings held by his family in the Hunter region

‘There was significant private land holdings in the Hunter that was not communicated to us so in many respects it doesn’t matter what his rationale was,’ he said. 

‘I am disappointed. We want to have a cabinet in NSW that people can believe in and have trust and faith in.’ 

Mr Minns could not comment as to whether Mr Crakanthorp financially benefited from the breach, adding any information would be passed onto ICAC.

The premier said there was a ‘significant’ number of private land holdings in the Hunter, some that were owned by his wife and in-laws.

‘I can’t give you a number, but obviously more than a couple [of properties],’ he said. 

Mr Crakanthorp is the first Labor minister to lose his job in the four months Mr Minns has been premier. 

He was elected in 2014. 

Deputy Premier Prue Car will assume responsibility as interim minister for skills, TAFE and tertiary education and training.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley will assume responsibility as interim minister for the Hunter.