Angela D'Amore

Angela D'Amore (born 10 October 1971), a former Australian politician, was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, representing the electorate of Drummoyne from 2003 until 2011 initially for the Australian Labor Party until 2010, and then as an independent member until her retirement from politics in 2011. Following findings of corrupt conduct by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), on 7 December 2010, D'Amore was sacked as Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Minister for Police and Assisting the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment and her membership of the Labor Party revoked.^[1][2] D'Amore has claimed that she will challenge the ICAC ruling.^[3]

Background and early years

D’Amore is the daughter of immigrants, who migrated from Graniti in Sicily, Italy in 1964. She was educated at Bethlehem College, Ashfield and the University of Sydney and was an officer for the Municipal Employees Union and the NSW Nurses’ Association.^[4] D'Amore lives at Rodd Point, with her husband Richard and two sons, Favian and Julian.^[5] Labor powerbroker, Joe Tripodi, is related by marriage to D'Amore,^[6] although, it is widely reported that they do not share a good relationship.^[7]

New South Wales state politics

D'Amore was elected at the 2003 NSW general election.^[8] In March 2010, D'Amore was appointed Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Minister for Police and Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Minister for Climate Change and Environment in the Kristina Keneally Labor government.

D'Amore's previous parliamentary experience includes^[9]:

• Chair of the Committee on the Office of the Ombudsman and Police Integrity Commission. 2007 - 2008
• Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Women’s Representative for Australia
• Deputy Chair of Committee of the International Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Women’s Steering

D'Amore proposed major infastructure changes in the area, such as the M4 east and Iron Cove Bridge widening.. It was claimed that the widening would complement D'Amore's announcement of securing 400 new bus services in March 2010. The M4 East extension is aimed at channelling traffic underground, easing pressure on surface roads, to get Sydney buses running on time effectively and efficiently. D'Amore has noted that the tunnel would be a major public transport outcome for the Inner West.^[10]

Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation

On 22 September 2010, it was revealed that D'Amore was under investigation by ICAC for misuse of parliamentary allowances between 2006 and 2007.^[6][11] She stated that she did not gain any personal financial benefit,^[12] and during the hearing, denied knowing the claim forms were false when she signed them.^[13][14] Further, D'Amore claimed that she did not receive appropriate training in understanding the forms on which she signed off.^[15] Appearing before the Commission, a former staff member, Karen Harbilas, claimed that D'Amore had instructed her to fill out the forms incorrectly.^[16] A staff member, Agatha La Manna, appearing before the inquiry, admitted to knowingly submitting four false pay claims and lying to investigators.^[13] On 7 December 2010, ICAC found that D'Amore and La Manna engaged in corrupt conduct by falsely claiming sitting day relief payments, and is of the opinion that the advice of the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should be sought in relation to prosecuting D'Amore for two offences of misconduct in public office.^[17] Former Premier Keneally immediately sacked D'Amore as Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Minister for Police and Assisting the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment and called on the Labor Party to suspend D'Amore's membership.^[3][18][19] D'Amore's membership of the Labor Party was revoked a day later,^[2] however D'Amore has refused to resign from Parliament and has claimed that she was "appalled" at the findings. D'Amore lodged an appeal against the ICAC ruling^[1][3][20] and has made application for the taxpayers of New South Wales to pay her costs in the ICAC hearing.^[21]

D'Amore did not seek re-election at the 2011 NSW election.^[22]

References