Former NSW Labor minister Eddie Obeid guilty of wilful misconduct while in office
Former New South Wales Labor Government minister and powerbroker Eddie Obeid has been found guilty of wilful misconduct.
Obeid, 72, was before the courts accused of wilfully committing misconduct in public office by failing to declare a personal stake in Circular Quay cafe leases when making representations about the plight of leaseholders in late 2007.
The court heard Obeid had acted in his own personal interests by using his role as an MP to boost the value of properties secretly owned by his family.
The Obeid family held interests in two Circular Quay cafes, a fact that was not disclosed. Obeid used his influence to push for changes to laws which increased their value by removing the need to tender for lease renewals.
The disgraced politician now faces the prospect of jail time after becoming the subject of the first major conviction following a torrent of a corruption accusations and investigations in New South Wales.
He had pleaded not guilty but his arguments failed to convince the jury. He may now face up to 14 years in prison.
Sentencing submissions are due in court in August before the notorious politician learns his fate.
The NSW Supreme Court trial before judge Robert Beech-Jones lasted three weeks before jurors were sent to consider their verdict on Monday.
Eddie Obeid served as a minister in the tumultuous post-Bob Carr years of New South Wales last Labor government.
But, while he was a senior member of the government, it was his backroom prowess that saw his notoriety skyrocket.
Obeid was a key player in the revolving door of leadership that saw Morris Iemma, then Nathan Rees and then Kristina Kenneally succeed Mr Carr as premier before Barry O'Farrell's Liberals too government in 2011.
