The intercepted phone calls between former New South Wales (NSW) Premier Gladys Berejiklian and former NSW MP Daryl Maguire have provided revealing information regarding their relationship and actions. These revelations have culminated in the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) determining that Berejiklian engaged in “serious corrupt conduct.”
The chain of events leading to the downfall of the once-praised premier unfolded over a period of more than four years through multiple ICAC public hearings. Daryl Maguire’s phone was tapped after he came under ICAC’s scrutiny in a separate investigation involving a local council, which led to suspicions of misuse of his public position for personal gain.
ICAC investigators discovered numerous phone calls between Maguire and Berejiklian, who were involved in a secret relationship at the time. While only a small fraction of these calls has been made public, they have played a central role in ICAC’s inquiry into the former premier. Throughout the investigation, Berejiklian denied any wrongdoing. However, the calls have shed light on a different side of her character.
In some of these conversations, Berejiklian expresses anger towards public servants, belittles her colleagues, and discusses taxpayer-funded projects that Maguire supported in his electorate. These calls have also revealed the extent of her relationship with Maguire and her awareness of his various dealings.
Berejiklian’s failure to report Maguire’s conduct became a significant part of the corruption findings against her, while ICAC concluded that Maguire himself had engaged in serious corrupt conduct.
Please note that the details presented here are based on the available information and the ongoing investigations, and additional developments may occur in the future.