SYDNEY (Reuters) By Dr Majid Khan– Former prime minister of Australia’s most populous state of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian, is suspected of being involved in corrupt practices involving a secret affair with another member of parliament, officials said on Thursday. It was revealed in a detailed corruption investigation report that was released. Thursday. The investigation, conducted by the Independent Corruption Commission of New South Wales (ICAC), investigated allegations of corrupt dealings with China.
The ICAC report said Berejiklian failed to convey his concerns to the commission about state legislator Daryl Maguire, with whom he had a relationship during his tenure. This failure to disclose undermines the decree. In testifying as part of a corruption investigation, Berejiklian, who has been widely respected for his leadership skills during the COVID-19 pandemic, has a secret “close personal relationship” with Maguire. Admitted. He was under investigation for allegedly using his position for personal gain by doing business with China.
Following the revelations, Berejiklian stepped down as prime minister in 2020 after an ICAC announced an investigation into whether he had betrayed the public’s trust. The report is now under scrutiny by her legal team, and Ms. Berejiklian has always acted in the public interest, she claimed.
Investigations revealed that Maguire had established ties with China and Australia and sought financial gain through various government agencies. The Australian branch of China’s largest property developer became Maguire’s client after being introduced by the founder of the Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, an organization that ties Australia to the Chinese government. During the investigation, Maguire said he received an envelope containing cash as part of a scheme to fraudulently obtain visas from Chinese nationals. The commission concluded that Maguire committed “serious corruption” between 2012 and 2018 in connection with the visa system and other irregularities.
The investigation also found that Mr Maguire abused his position as chairman of the New South Wales Legislature’s Asia-Pacific Friendship Group to further the commercial interests of Chinese economic groups in South Pacific countries. In addition, he used his legislative role to assist his company, G8way, which aimed to sell access to Australian government officials. G8way’s Beijing representative was a former Sydney Vice Consul. The report also found that in 2012, Maguire introduced the party secretary of Liaoning Province, China, to then New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell and paid him for abusing his position.
Maguire is currently accused of involvement in the visa system, but has yet to appeal in court. His lawyers argued that the commission lacked the authority to make a criminal finding and said the lengthy 600-page report was still under review.
The ICAC has announced its intention to consult with the Attorney General to determine whether further criminal proceedings should be pursued against Maguire.
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