ICAC to investigate corruption claims against former NSW Liberal MP
The corruption watchdog will hold public hearings into former Liberal MP for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire over allegations he misused his public office and parliamentary resources for personal gain.
Mr Maguire was forced to quit NSW parliament in July 2018 after a corruption inquiry exposed his attempts to broker property deals and seek commission on behalf of a Chinese developer.
ICAC will hold public hearings into former Liberal Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire. Credit:Janie Barrett
Following the hearing, Mr Maguire resigned from the Liberal Party and his position as parliamentary secretary for counter-terrorism. But a defiant Mr Maguire initially refused to leave politics, saying he would remain in parliament as an independent until the March 2019 state election. He later decided to bow out.
His resignation sparked a byelection, which the government lost to independent Joe McGirr, further reducing to government's majority in the lower house.
The Berejiklian government is also waiting on the Independent Commission Against Corruption to make a ruling on whether Drummoyne MP John Sidoti will be investigated over his property interests. Mr Sidoti stood aside as the sports, multiculturalism and veterans minister on September 17 last year, after ICAC began a preliminary investigation.
Several sources close to the government said a decision on Mr Sidoti is likely within weeks, but ICAC has not given any indication of its findings.
Drummoyne MP John Sidoti Mr Sidoti stood aside as the sports, multiculturalism and veterans minister last year.Credit:Nick Moir
In a statement, the ICAC said it was investigating allegations that between 2012 and 2018, Mr Maguire engaged "in conduct that involved a breach of public trust by using his public office".
This involved "his duties as a member of the NSW parliament, and the use of parliamentary resources, to improperly gain a benefit for himself and/or entities close to him".
The entities included G8way International/G8way International Pty Ltd and associated people.
The ICAC says it will hold the inquiry in line with the state's COVID-19 public health orders, with social distancing and sanitation measures in place.
But due to limited space, it will be closed to members of the media and the public, but live streamed online.
Due to a potential conflict of interest, the ICAC has determined that it is appropriate for an assistant commissioner to preside at this inquiry, with former judge Ruth McColl appointed.
It is expected to run for four weeks, starting September 21.