Murray Olds: Former NSW Premier Glady Berejiklian's bombshell move after corruption finding

Published: Sept. 24, 2023, 9:11 p.m.

Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has launched court proceedings against ICAC after the watchdog found she had engaged in \u201cserious corrupt conduct\u201d.\xa0

Ms Berejiklian has launched the legal challenge to ICAC\u2019s findings after it earlier this year found she had committed a \u201cgrave\u201d breach of the ministerial code by failing to disclose her relationship with former partner Daryl Maguire.\xa0

The report found she oversaw the approval of two grants in Mr Maguire\u2019s electorate of Wagga Wagga - a $5.5m grant to the Australian Clay Target Association and a $10m grant for the renovation of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.\xa0

She also failed in her ministerial duties by not reporting her suspicion that Mr Maguire had engaged, or might have engaged in corrupt conduct, the report found.\xa0

Despite the findings, ICAC did not recommend she be referred for criminal prosecution.\xa0

Ms Berejiklian will now challenge the ICAC findings in the Court of Appeal.\xa0

The matter will first come before the court on October 9.\xa0

Mr Maguire was found by ICAC to have improperly used his public office during his time as a MP in order to promote his own financial interests, and those of his associates while deliberately not disclosing his position, and potential pecuniary benefits.\xa0

\u201cLet it not be forgotten that during his time representing the people of Wagga and region he worked tirelessly for his constituents,\u201d Mr Maguire said in a statement released in July.\xa0

\u201cIndeed, he was described in evidence as a dog with a bone, a vociferous advocate for the electorate, or a pain in the arse when it came to getting improvements for the Wagga Electorate.\u201d\xa0

- by Steve Zemek, news.com.au

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