NSW Premier's ex-lover reveals surprising details about relationship
The NSW premier's former lover has revealed new details about their secret relationship in an ICAC hearing investigating his alleged corruption.
Former Wagga MP Daryl Maguire faced the hearing again on Thursday to answer questions about allegations he used his public office to gain financial benefit for himself or G8way International – a company he directed.
He revealed at the hearing that he had been in an on again/off again close, personal relationship with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian since 2015, and said it ended in either August or September this year.
When asked if he was still in a close, personal relationship with Ms Berejiklian, he said: “Not after the events of this, I wouldn’t be, no.”
Mr Maguire also revealed he and Ms Berejiklian discussed going public with their relationship, with the former MP considering resigning from state parliament.
He told ICAC he had spoken to the premier about being in about $1.5 million debt to seek some guidance.
“I only have a few friends that you can raise these things with, I would have run it past her, perhaps, to get some, um, get her view,” he said.
He added he had opened up to her about general problems he was having in life and they discussed a potential future with each other going forward.
When asked if they were considering whether or not to go public, Mr Maguire answered yes.
The ICAC commissioner then asked whether they had decided they would only go public if he did not run in the 2019 election.
“Yes, my recollection is that’s correct,” Mr Maguire said.
Mr Maguire said he had not told anybody he was considering resigning, though admitted he may have had a conversation with Ms Berejiklian.
Mr Maguire said he wasn’t 100 per cent sure of the decision to resign due to financial stress it may have caused, despite having parliamentary super to fall back on.
Further questions relating to Ms Berejiklian were then heard in a private session of the ICAC on Thursday afternoon to protect her privacy.
Explosive phone call revealed during hearing
The commission heard an intercepted phone call in which a property agent tells Mr Maguire he would "look after" the Wagga MP for helping secure a $330 million property deal in Badgerys Creek, next to the proposed Western Sydney Airport.
"Well, it's been good for everybody all around, which is excellent," Mr Maguire replies in the September 2017 call.
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About 45 minutes after that call, Mr Maguire was recorded chatting to Ms Berejiklian about how it looked like "we finally got the Badgerys Creek stuff done" and he could get enough to pay off his debts.
Mr Maguire on Thursday said he couldn't recall telling the premier about the deal in advance of their September 5 call but "you could assume that".
Scott Robertson, counsel assisting the commission, drew attention to Ms Berejiklian's reaction, including to the mention of a man referred to by first name only.
"She doesn't respond by saying 'I don't know what you're talking about' or ‘who's Jimmy?’ or ‘what is the Badgerys Creek stuff?'," Mr Robertson said.
The former parliamentary secretary said he'd inform Ms Berejiklian from time to time "in general terms" about the things he was involved in.
"I don't know that I ever went into specifics. It was just broad discussion stuff," he said.
Mr Maguire on Wednesday made multiple frank admissions including using his parliament house office to receive cash commissions from a "cash-for-visa scheme”.
He also confessed to secretly directing G8way International, a firm that earned commissions for linking Chinese buyers with Australian businesses.
Mr Maguire's evidence is expected to continue into Friday.
Premier called ‘a sounding board for corruption’ in parliament
The NSW opposition leader has labelled MS Berejikilian as Mr Maguire's "sounding board for corruption".
Opposition Leader Jodi McKay made the accusation against the premier during NSW Parliament question time on Thursday afternoon.
She referred to phone conversation intercepts, played in the ICAC, in which Mr Maguire can be heard informing Ms Berejiklian of his $1.5 million debt, various business interests and hoped-for commissions.
Ms Berejiklian denied any wrongdoing, twice challenging Ms McKay to make the same accusations outside - where she would not enjoy parliamentary privilege.
"The question put by the leader of the opposition is extremely offensive (and) wrong in every way, and I ask her to withdraw it or else say it outside," Ms Berejiklian said.
"This investigation is being undertaken by the ICAC, not the Labor Party.
"The opposition can clutch at any straws they like - the truth is I've done nothing wrong."
with AAP
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