Ex-partner of former premier Gladys Berejiklian misled Icac probe over $48m property development, magistrate finds
Australia news live: latest politics updates
Get ourbreaking news email,free appordaily news podcast
Ex-Liberal MP Daryl Maguire has been found guilty of misleading a corruption inquiry about benefits expected from a $48m property development sale.
The former member for Wagga Wagga, whose clandestine relationship with ex-NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian led to herpolitical downfall, appeared at Sydney’s Downing Centre court for the verdict on Friday.
Magistrate Clare Farnan found Maguire misled the NSWIndependent Commission Against Corruptionwhile giving evidence during a hearing in July 2018.
Farnan rejected a bid by Maguire’s legal team to suppress the publication of the guilty verdict.
“The interests of the community in open justice is in my view not outweighed by Mr Maguire’s interests,” she said.
At Icac, Maguire was asked about what he expected to get out of the sale of an estimated $48m property development in Campsie in Sydney’s south-west.
During the criminal hearing earlier in 2025, prosecutors claimed Maguire changed his evidence during questioning over claims he was not expected to be reimbursed.
He will face a sentence hearing on 15 August.
Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email
Icac grilled Maguire and others in 2018 underOperation Dasha, which probed allegations of corruption at the local council.
Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it matters
The Wagga Wagga MP resigned from the Berejiklian government after giving evidence, before succumbing to pressure and quitting parliament altogether.
Icac opened a further probe into Maguire, exposing his secret romantic relationship with Berejiklian in 2020.
Berejiklian also stood down from her role and was laterfound by Icac to have breached public trustin failing to disclose the relationship, spanning at least five years while she was transport minister, treasurer and then premier.
