Gladys Berejiklian’s Appeal Against Corruption Allegations Denied
After an appeal hearing, the former NSW Liberal leader has not been able to clear her name of corruption allegations from her time as premier.
Gladys Berejiklian, the former leader of the New South Wales Liberal party, has lost her court appeal against findings that she behaved corruptly during her relationship with party colleague Daryl Maguire while she was premier.
Chief Justice Andrew Bell upheld the findings that Berejiklian breached public trust by failing to disclose her relationship with Maguire, who was involved in funding decisions for his electorate while she was on a cabinet committee.
From 2016 to 2018, Berejiklian, who served as both premier and treasurer, approved significant allocations for Wagga Wagga, including $5.5 million for the Australian Clay Target Association and $10 million for the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.
In her appeal, Berejiklian’s barrister argued that personal relationships among ministers do not necessarily constitute corruption. However, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) argued that Berejiklian’s actions were influenced by her relationship with Maguire.
ICAC rejected all of Berejiklian’s grounds for review, stating that her undisclosed relationship and actions were “wilful.”
While criminal charges were not brought against Berejiklian and she denies any wrongdoing, ICAC has maintained its findings of “serious corrupt conduct.”
Berejiklian stepped down as premier in 2021 at the beginning of the investigation and took on a role with Optus. In a statement released in 2021, she claimed to have always acted with integrity in the best interests of the people of NSW.
A full written report on the appeal findings is expected to be released on July 26.
