ICAC inquiry reveals Australian state premier was in secret relation with China-linked MP

Australia's New South Wales state premier Gladys Berejiklian accepted that she was in a relationship with former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, who is being investigated in a corruption case linked to China. After hearing with NSW Independent Commission into Corruption (ICAC), Berejiklian revealed it to press that she was in "close relationship" with Maguire and admitted making a mistake by t disclosing relationship with her family and friends. 

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'Disappointing' 

According to DailyMail, Berejiklian said that she was in a relationship with Maguire since 2015 but stopped all communications with him after she was questioned by investigators in September this year. revelation prompted resignation demands by opposition Labour party. Berejiklian, however, told media that she would continue serving as premier of New South Wales state. NSW Labour leader Jodi Mckay took to social media to accuse Berejiklian of playing victim card and said that case isn't about relationship, it's about turning a "blind eye to corruption". 

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According to reports, ICAC telephone intercepts showed Maguire discussed his financial problems with Berejiklian and also mentioned debts of $1.5 million. Maguire discussed potential of gaining from an airport land deal with NSW premier. According to Guardian, when ICAC released its witness list on October 8, Berejiklian's name featured and she was only person listed for hearing on Monday. After list was issued, Berejiklian had said that she is pleased to be assisting in inquiry. 

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Maguire was forced to resign from Berejiklian's government in 2018 after evidence in a separate corruption case emerged proving MP's connection in land deals involving Chinese developers. Maguire is scheduled to appear before ICAC investigators later this week.

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