Toppled NSW Police Minister Mike Gallacher says he does not know the details of the corruption allegations made against him.
Premier Mike Baird earlier accepted Mr Gallacher's resignation as minister after the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) heard claims Mr Gallacher played a central role in a "corrupt scheme" used to funnel illegal donations to the NSW Liberal Party.
"I have spent my entire professional life fighting corruption and crime," the former police officer said on Friday.
"I am disappointed that this allegation has been made and the manner in which it came to be made but it will be dealt with through the processes of ICAC."
Mr Gallacher, who will soon be called before the corruption watchdog to give evidence, says he only heard about the allegations for the first time on Friday morning.
Asked if he denied the allegation, he replied: "I don't even know what the allegation is.
"All I've heard this morning is that I've had a corrupt, long-standing relationship.
"I've yet to see what the allegation is but I don't intend to have the premier and the parliamentary team diverted by this."
Mr Baird said his former minister had no option but to step down from cabinet.
"I make no judgments on the allegations," he told reporters in Canberra.
"But the serious nature and the ongoing distraction that it would cause the government ... leaves us with little choice but to accept the resignation."
He insisted he would take every action possible to clean up politics in NSW.
The ICAC heard a top executive at Nathan Tinkler's Buildev group had Mr Gallacher and former Liberal frontbencher Chris Hartcher "on tap", thanks to tens of thousands in secret donations.
Mr Gallacher has also stepped down from the emergency services, industrial relations and Central Coast portfolios.
Attorney-General Brad Hazzard will act as police and emergency services minister until a new minister is appointed, Mr Baird said.
Share
