Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and ex-Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire have been found guilty of serious corrupt conduct.

A report has been released by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) following its Operation Keppel investigation, revealing that Maguire abused his position as an MP between 2012 and August 2018, using his office and parliamentary resources for personal gain.

Maguire failed to disclose his involvement and financial interests in G8wayInternational Pty Ltd, a company he essentially directed and from which he shared profits with others. 

He also exploited his role as an MP to advance his personal and associates' financial interests, including promoting an immigration scheme to constituents and misusing his position as chair of the NSW Parliament Asia Pacific Friendship Group.

Berejiklian, who was in a concealed close personal relationship with Maguire, was found to have breached public trust by exercising her official functions in favour of funding for the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) and the Riverina Conservatorium of Music (RCM), without disclosing her conflict of interest.

The ICAC report highlighted Berejiklian's active involvement in supporting the ACTA proposal during her tenure as treasurer and premier, despite knowing that Maguire was the primary proponent. 

She also made decisions regarding RCM funding without declaring her relationship with Maguire, leading to a $20 million funding reservation for RCM Stage 2.

Furthermore, Berejiklian was accused of refusing to report her suspicions of Maguire's corrupt conduct, a failure to uphold her duties as premier. 

The ICAC has recommended the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) consider prosecution for Maguire and two others, but not for Berejiklian.

The investigation revealed systemic weaknesses in the conduct of MPs and grant schemes, prompting the ICAC to make 18 recommendations aimed at improving ethics and integrity within the NSW Parliament. 

These include enhanced training for MPs and staff, as well as clearer guidelines on the use of public resources for personal activities.

The ICAC stressed the importance of timely reporting of suspected corruption to prevent complex investigations and plans to launch an educative campaign to raise awareness among agencies.

The NSW ICAC has been under scrutiny for the length of time it took to complete the investigation, which pushed a premier at the height of the COVID-19 crisis to resign. 

NSW Premier Chris Minns says he is willing to consider proposals for an overhaul, while noting; “Any agency responsible for investigating public officials or members of the public has to deliver findings in as short a space of time as possible”.