Owen became an independent and moved to the crossbench on 6 August 2014 after accusations at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).Two NSW Liberal MPs stand aside from the party following ICAC revelations on campaign funding: ABC 6 August 2014 He resigned from parliament on 12 August 2014 after evidence of corruption was uncovered.Newcastle MP Tim Owen and Charlestown MP Andrew Cornwell resign from NSW Parliament following ICAC donations inquiry: SMH 12 August 2014 The Liberals opted not to contest the ensuing by-election, which saw Labor's Tim Crakanthorp reclaim the seat handily.
