Minns said the ICAC’s “very serious” findings had validated his decision to remove Crakanthorp from cabinet, adding he would not be allowed to return to the ministry and that the MP’s conduct was “not acceptable”.

“Obviously, these are judgment calls that I’ve had to make based on the recommendations from the ICAC, but I have been guided by their findings in the report. I don’t regard this as OK, and I don’t think it should have taken place without sanctions being applied,” he said.

Minns said based on the ICAC’s findings that Crakanthorp’s conduct did not amount to corruption he believed “the correct sanction was the one that was taken in August and that’s the one that I’ve made”.

Minns did not call for Crakanthorp to resign from parliament but said the MP had “a long road to hoe in relation to his own constituents, and rebuilding trust with them in particular. And I encourage him to put his head down and do that as soon as possible.

“This is obviously a massive error, I accept the fact it’s a breach of trust.”

In a statement, Crakanthorp expressed remorse for his conduct, saying the report demonstrated he “should have done more”.

“Today, the report from the preliminary inquiry was released and I accept the findings of that report. It is clear that I should have done more and for that I am deeply regretful,” he said.

“Now that this report has been released, I will continue to represent my community to the best of my ability.”

An electronic sticky note in Crakanthorp’s parliamentary laptop obtained during the investigation revealed a draft conversation to his wife “about properties held by his parents-in-law”.

“The warehouses on Broadmeadow Road are going to be worth a lot more … as they are going to develop all the land behind the panel beaters shop and also the Broadmeadows sporting precinct,” the draft note stated.

The ICAC said the metadata of the document revealed it was created in late March 2023, before Crakanthorp was appointed minister of the Hunter.

“Regardless, the note shows Mr Crakanthorp was cognisant of the proposed urban renewal of the precinct and that it was likely to benefit the Manitta family,” the ICAC said.

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The report revealed that on May 1 Crakanthorp sought a ruling from the premier that would enable him and wife to maintain their shareholdings and directorships of Carson & Yvette Pty Ltd. He argued divestiture would “have real financial harm to my family” and estimated the loss of nearly $500,000.

The premier ruled on May 5 that Crakanthorp could maintain his involvement in the company “subject to recusing himself from discussions or making representations that may benefit the company”.

Five days later, on May 10, Crakanthorp held discussions with Transport Minister Jo Haylen in his capacity as minister for the Hunter about the Broadmeadow Investigation Area, an area where his in-laws held property before staff in his office later “attempted to confirm if Broadmeadow Road was included” in the investigation area.

“Mr Crakanthorp also met with the mayor of Newcastle and the minister for housing, the Hon Rose Jackson MLC. Rezoning and affordable housing contiguous to the Broadmeadow Road properties were discussed,” the report said.

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