NSW’s corruption watchdog has released its findings on Operation Keppel, which probed the relationship between former premier Gladys Berejiklian and MP Daryl Maguire.
Nearly two years in the making, this moment arrived following the conclusion of the hearings in November 2021.
The disclosure was made in a report issued on Thursday by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The report concluded that Ms. Berejiklian was involved in “significant corrupt behavior” throughout her relationship, which persisted even after she dismissed Mr. Maguire due to his corrupt activities.
The ICAC has not called for a criminal prosecution of the former premier, though it will seek advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over a case against Mr Maguire.
The report discovered that Ms Berejiklian’s actions were influenced by her relationship and her desire to preserve it on various occasions while she held the positions of treasurer and premier.
Phone recordings obtained by authorities indicate that the individuals in question were considering making their relationship public and potentially getting married following Mr. Maguire’s departure from the political arena. This conversation, which took place around February 2018, was deemed significant by the ICAC in shedding light on the true nature of their association.
Check the below exact transcript of the conversation:
MAGUIRE: Well you were just over the top over the top right and you just don’t need to be so mean that’s all.
BEREJIKLIAN: Okay I’m sorry.
MAGUIRE: You just appeared mean.
BEREJIKLIAN: Do you know why because I forget that I need to look like I’m you impress me in front of like I forget that.
MAGUIRE: No you should I impress, I impress a lot of people why aren’t you impressed in front of people you should be.
BEREJIKLIAN: That’s what I mean I forget that I’m meant to be with you know, technically the Premier so, you know. I get that.
MAGUIRE: Hmm anyway.
BEREJIKLIAN: Because you know what I tell you why because normally you’re the boss and it’s hard when we have to switch it around that’s the truth.
MAGUIRE: Yeh but I am the boss, even when you’re the Premier.
BEREJIKLIAN: I know. So therefore it’s hard when I had to switch it around.
MAGUIRE: Glad even when you are the Premier I am the boss alright.
BEREJIKLIAN: Yes I know.
MAGUIRE: You are at my table eating my food that’s fine right you’ve just got to calm down you just came over like, oh Jesus, why are you sitting there no f*** off but.
BEREJIKLIAN: I’m sorry I apologise
Current NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman also took aim at the “unacceptable” delay, saying the people of NSW deserved a “timelier resolution”.
In a statement, he mentioned that Gladys Berejiklian effectively guided NSW with resilience and resolve amidst the most trying circumstances since the Second World War. These challenges encompassed a once-in-a-century pandemic, as well as unprecedented drought, bushfires, and floods.
The Opposition will promptly review the comprehensive contents and recommendations presented in this report.
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