Gladys Berejiklian launches legal challenge to ICAC’s finding she engaged in ‘serious corrupt conduct’

Former NSW Premiers Gladys Berejiklian has launched court proceedings against ICAC after the watchdog found she had engaged in ‘serious corrupt conduct’.

Ms Berejiklian has launched the legal challenge to ICAC’s findings after it earlier this year found she had committed a ‘grave’ breach of the ministerial code by failing to disclose her relationship with former partner Daryl Maguire.

The report found she oversaw the approval of two grants in Mr Maguire’s electorate of Wagga Wagga – a $5.5m grant to the Australian Clay Target Association and a $10m grant for the renovation of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.

She also failed in her ministerial duties by not reporting her suspicion that Mr Maguire had engaged, or might have engaged in corrupt conduct, the report found.

Ms Berejiklian has launched the legal challenge to ICAC’s findings after it earlier this year found she had committed a ‘grave’ breach of the ministerial code 

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Despite the findings, ICAC did not recommend she be referred for criminal prosecution.

Ms Berejiklian will now challenge the ICAC findings in the Court of Appeal.

The matter will first come before the court on October 9.

The ICAC report found she oversaw the approval of two grants in former MP Daryl Maguire’s electorate of Wagga Wagga 

Mr Maguire was found by ICAC to have improperly used his public office during his time as a MP in order to promote his own financial interests, and those of his associates while deliberately not disclosing his position, and potential pecuniary benefits.

‘Let it not be forgotten that during his time representing the people of Wagga and region he worked tirelessly for his constituents,’ Mr Maguire said in a statement released in July.

‘Indeed, he was described in evidence as a dog with a bone, a vociferous advocate for the electorate, or a pain in the arse when it came to getting improvements for the Wagga Electorate.’