Berejiklian ICAC inquiry: Former premier ‘delusional’ to avoid declaring Maguire relationship
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Former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian has taken the stand at ICAC amid an investigation into whether she breached public trust or turned a blind eye to corruption.
Following on from secret lover Daryl Maguire’s evidence yesterday, Ms Berejiklian has been quizzed on the extent of her relationship with the former Wagga Wagga MP, and what she knew of his activities.
Ms Berejiklian has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the inquiry.
Summarising the day’s proceedings for Jim Wilson, Nine News political reporter Chris O’Keefe said evidence indicates it was “almost delusional” of the premier to refuse to declare a conflict of interest in relation to Mr Maguire.
“It’s beyond a shadow of a doubt that Gladys Berejiklian should’ve disclosed this relationship.”
Intercepted phone calls have revealed the then-Premier quickly secured $170 million from then-Treasurer Dominic Perrottet for Wagga Hospital.
She also heard details of Mr Maguire’s relationships with property developers, and that he had been summoned as a witness by ICAC in 2018.
“[It’s] starting to get to the point where you think maybe Gladys Berejiklian knew a little more than she let on.
“If she didn’t, I think it’s fair to say she might’ve buried her head in the sand a bit.”
Press PLAY below for what we’ve heard from Gladys Berejiklian so far
Senior writer for The Australian Troy Bramston gave Jim his analysis of the day’s events.
“The overriding impression is that Gladys Berejiklian is defiant, she had no regrets, she is not apologising.
“Yet this evidence with text messages, phone taps … has been extremely damaging for her.”
Press PLAY below to hear his analysis in full
Image: Independent Commission Against Corruption