By Samantha Lock For Australian Associated Press
06:59 21 Jun 2023, updated 08:28 21 Jun 2023
- Report into the conduct of Gladys Berejiklian will soon be delivered
- ICAC launched inquiries into a former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire
- It will be delivered to NSW Parliament on June 29, ICAC said
The NSW corruption watchdog’s delayed report into the conduct of Gladys Berejiklian will soon be delivered, more than a year and a half after the former premier resigned while waiting for the findings.
The probe into Ms Berejiklian’s dealings began after the Independent Commission Against Corruption launched inquiries into the disgraced former Liberal MP for Wagga Wagga, Daryl Maguire.
The watchdog investigated whether Mr Maguire used his role as an MP to gain a financial benefit and whether Ms Berejiklian breached the public trust during their five-year secret personal relationship.
The final report will be delivered to the NSW parliament on June 29, the ICAC said.
The Operation Keppel report will be delivered to the parliament’s presiding officers at 9am and it will be available for public viewing if the officers make it public.
The commission revealed in January the report would not be released before the March election as it concerned complex matters of law and thousands of pages of exhibits, transcripts and submissions.
‘The commission remains conscious of its obligation to furnish the report as soon as possible after it has concluded its involvement in the matter, and continues to anticipate the report will be ready to be furnished during this quarter,’ a spokeswoman said at the time.
The report is scheduled to be delivered nearly 18 months after Ms Berejiklian’s resignation as premier in October 2021, and more than two and a half years after she first gave evidence about her secret romance with Mr Maguire.
The investigation hinges on whether Ms Berejiklian’s concealment of her relationship with Mr Maguire breached the public trust, whether she improperly handled projects pursued by Mr Maguire, and if she engaged in conduct ‘liable to allow or encourage corruption’ by him.
Ms Berejiklian has denied any wrongdoing, citing concerns about likely lengthy delays in ICAC delivering its report as a reason for her resignation.