Hartcher, who told ILN that he was concerned the ongoing investigations into former NSW mines ministers Eddie Obeid and Ian Macdonald was tarnishing the state’s reputation among international investors, is being investigated by the Independent Commission Against Corruption over allegedly receiving donations from developers.
He said he was “confident I will be cleared of any wrongdoing”
“This is the first contact I have had with the ICAC and given that their investigations have thus far had an unknown timeframe, it is appropriate that I resign,” Hartcher said.
Premier Barry O'Farrell said he had spoken with Hartcher earlier on Wednesday.
“I accept and support Mr Hartcher's decision to resign from cabinet following today's actions by ICAC,” O'Farrell said.
Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts will be appointed acting Minister for Resources and Energy.
Hartcher’s removal from the mining and energy ministry over corruption investigations follows a familiar pattern in NSW politics.
The O’Farrell government, which has tried to distance itself from the excesses and lack of governance in the previous Labor government, is now faced with a resignation at a critical time as it awaits the second report from ICAC advising on whether it should revoke exploration licences for the Doyles Creek and Mt Penny tenements.
O’Farrell may be prepared to act deliberately to revoke the licences if advised to do so to ensure the NSW government takes the issue of corruption seriously.
Macdonald was found to have issued the Doyles Creek licence to union “mate” John Maitland without due process.
NuCoal Resources subsequently bought the licence from Maitland’s company and spent more than $30 million on proving up Doyles Creek.
The company has indicated it would consider legal action against both Macdonald and the O’Farrel government if it proceeds to revoke the licence.
Hartcher previously told ILN the government had to act to salvage the state’s reputation in light of the ICAC findings on Doyles Creek and Mt Penny.
“It surprises us how well aware overseas investors are aware of the anti-corruption inquiry hearings,” he told ILN.
“We do live in a global market but I have representatives of major companies that operate in countries that are markets for us raise the issue of the anti-corruption hearings.
“So the investors – maybe not the public in those countries – are well aware of the anti-corruption determinations and they’re concerned to know and be reassured the implications will not affect their operations.”
Hartcher has also been criticised by some for not providing a consistent policy towards the development of the CSG industry in the state and pandering to the interests of the rural lobby in land use disputes in the Hunter Valley and the Illawarra.
Member for Keira, Ryan Park, told the Illawarra Mercury that the resignation of Hartcher would have a big impact on the Illawarra.
“This has an enormous impact on people in the Illawarra because CSG is an issue that is important to many community members,” he reportedly said.
“They will be looking for a minister more reasonable and in touch with the concerns ... articulated over the past two years over the impact on our precious water catchment and supply areas.”
The NSW Minerals Council yesterday thanked Hartcher for “his valuable support of the NSW mining industry over the last two years”
“As minister, he has championed many important policies for the people of NSW including energy security and pricing, and we hope the government continues to pursue these important initiatives,” the council said in a statement.
“The NSW Minerals Council looks forward to working with the incoming resources minister to continue to deliver jobs, investment and economic growth for NSW.”
