Eddie Obeid will face trial alongside two fellow former New South Wales Labor ministers over allegations they deliberately mishandled a major water infrastructure bid.
Joe Tripodi, Tony Kelly and Obeid each face one charge of misconduct in public office after their cases were committed for trial during a hearing at Sydney’s Downing Centre today.
All three men have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which relate to events from 2009 and 2010.
Prosecutors allege Obeid misused his position as a member of parliament to assist Australian Water Holdings to enter into a public-private partnership with the New South Wales government.
According to court documents, Obeid attempted to influence his parliamentary colleagues, Michael Costa, Nathan Rees, Morris Iemma, Philip Costa and Kristina Keneally, to promote the interests of the company.
Tripodi prepared a minute document for the cabinet standing committee on the budget that supported the company’s bid for a public-private partnership, according to court documents.
Kelly, who at the time was minister for infrastructure, then signed and authorised the submission of the minute, it will be alleged.
The minute contained information the men either knew to be untrue or had made no appropriate inquiries to confirm the accuracy of, prosecutors say.
The matter has been committed to the New South Wales District Court for trial with an arraignment hearing scheduled for March 22.
