NSW premier apologises for scandal

NSW premier Mike Baird has made an extraordinary apology to voters, announcing today that his party will not run candidates in the Charlestown and Newcastle by-elections.

MPs Tim Owen and Andrew Cornwell quit parliament last week amid revelations they took illegal campaign money from developers.

Their resignations are sending voters to the polls in October, and the announcement leaves the party without a voice.

The pain looks set to continue for the government, with another week of hearings at ICAC on the agenda.

Chef Peter Doyle has been called to attend after he put on a dinner in 2010 that was attended by executives from Nathan Tinkler’s development company.

It is understood John Hart – one of federal treasurer Joe Hockey’s chief fundraisers – will also give evidence about the dinner.

Samantha Brookes, Andrew Cornwell’s wife, will also be quizzed on her role in a $10,000 sham painting sale that forced her husband to quit parliament.