FORMER MP Richard Torbay has broken his silence to thank family, friends and community members for their support and to advise that he will co-operate fully with any investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Mr Torbay was dumped by the National Party as its candidate to contest the seat of New England in the September 2013 federal election. He also resigned from parliament as the sitting member for the Northern Tablelands and is currently under investigation by ICAC.
In a statement released last week, Mr Torbay said: “I would like to thank the community for the numerous messages of thanks and support after my decision to retire as Member for the Northern Tablelands.
“The privilege of working with so many in the community to successfully achieve so much for the electorate and New South Wales is something I feel honoured to have been a part of.
I will always consider Armidale and the New England area my home, where I intend to live and work in the future.
“I am currently taking an extended break with my family and friends, who have been very supportive for so long.
“It has been reported in the media that there has been a referral to ICAC. I intend to co-operate fully.
I have been advised not to respond to media speculation which has been overwhelmingly false and misleading and sadly has targeted my family, friends and associates.
“I again thank the community for their genuine support and concern for my well-being and that of my family.”
