Former MP Daryl Maguire is facing charges for allegedly providing misleading evidence to the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) during its investigation in July 2018. This follows the emergence of recorded conversations where Maguire solicits a higher commission from Canterbury councillor Michael Hawatt regarding a $48 million property deal.
The proceedings, which commenced in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court, include a covertly recorded call from May 2016, where Maguire discusses a major residential development with a Chinese-owned company, Country Garden. He inquires about potential margins and commissions, indicating he expected to benefit financially from the deal.
In court, prosecutors assert that these conversations demonstrate Maguire’s expectation of payment, and his subsequent denials to ICAC were misleading enough to impact the investigation significantly. Maguire’s earlier resignation in 2018 stemmed from an ICAC inquiry that also revealed his secret relationship with former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, which contributed to her political downfall.
Despite the allegations, Maguire maintains his innocence, insisting that he has not provided misleading evidence. He is adamantly defending his case, which is scheduled for further discussion in court.