A composite of Gladys Berejiklian at the Icac hearings in October 2021. The watchdog found she engaged in serious corrupt conduct.A composite of Gladys Berejiklian at the Icac hearings in October 2021. The watchdog found she engaged in serious corrupt conduct.
Berejiklian’s barrister Bret Walker SC told the court on Monday that findings were invalid because McColl’s role as assistant commissioner was over when the report was completed. He said McColl provided a draft report to the commission in February 2023 before she met with members of the commission about their “concerns, suggestions and recommendations” from the draft.
Icac had initially been looking into former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire who was also found to have engaged in serious corrupt conduct. Maguire was alleged to have used his position to conduct a business helping property developers. On Monday, Walker argued that ministers would always have personal attachments but those relationships did not automatically equate to corruption.
Walker also argued that there was no evidence that Berejiklian wanting to maintain or progress her relationship with Maguire had played a role in her decision-making relating to matters impacting his electorate.