Mr. Amon has resigned from the NSW Parliament amid allegations of sexual assault against a teenage boy. The police investigation began in June 2022, with Strike Force NOORAL established in March 2023. Amon’s lawyers initially sought a suppression order to prevent publication of the case, but later withdrew the application. He has been granted strict conditional bail and is set to face Manly Local Court on October 24. Amon replaced Rob Stokes as the MP for Pittwater in the March 2023 election, despite controversy surrounding his preselection process.
Prior to his political career, Amon served as a Northern Beaches councillor and worked as a family lawyer. He is also a volunteer with the Rural Fire Service (RFS), having been the president of the Davidson Brigade. In his inaugural speech in parliament, Amon spoke about the impact of the Black Summer bushfires on his commitment to public service. Notably, he mentioned the losses experienced during the firefighting efforts on the NSW South Coast. Despite his resignation from the NSW Parliament, Amon’s background and community involvement continue to be highlighted.
Amon’s resignation will trigger a third byelection for the Liberals, following the resignations of former premier Dominic Perrottet and former treasurer Matt Kean. The byelection will be held on October 19 for the seats of Epping and Hornsby. Amon’s preselection as the candidate for Pittwater was controversial, with opposition from Stokes and concerns raised about his candidacy. Despite these challenges, Amon ultimately won the seat and was appointed assistant shadow minister for infrastructure, transport, roads, and youth by Attorney-General Mark Speakman.
The allegations against Amon came to light during budget estimates, with Police Minister Yasmin Catley expressing surprise at the news. Amon’s legal team initially sought a suppression order to prevent publication of the case, but later withdrew the application. The police investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a teenage boy at an address in Mona Vale prompted the establishment of Strike Force NOORAL. Amon’s resignation from the NSW Parliament follows these developments and will lead to the need for a byelection, adding to the political challenges faced by the Liberals.
Overall, Amon’s resignation from the NSW Parliament amid allegations of sexual assault has stirred controversy and led to a third byelection for the Liberals. Despite his background as a community volunteer and family lawyer, the circumstances surrounding his resignation have raised concerns and spotlighted the need for accountability in public office. The legal proceedings and investigations surrounding Amon’s case are ongoing, with the Manly Local Court scheduled to hear the matter on October 24. The political fallout from Amon’s resignation will likely continue to unfold as the byelection process unfolds and new candidates emerge for the vacant parliamentary seat.
