Former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro has told the state’s corruption watchdog ex-Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire was “a pain in the arse” in advocating for projects in his electorate.
Key points:
- Mr Barilaro described the shooting club proposal as “unusual”
- He said Ms Berejiklian indicated “support” and requested updates on the project
- Ms Berejiklian is expected to give evidence on Thursday and Friday
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is examining former premier Gladys Berejiklian’s conduct in relation to multi-million-dollar grants awarded to Mr Maguire’s electorate when they were in a secret relationship.
It’s considering two grants as case studies, to the Australian Clay Target Association and Riverina Conservatorium of Music, for whether there was a conflict of interest between her public duties and personal life.
Mr Barilaro was today shown an email from Mr Maguire referring to arts funding in 2017, which he agreed was “typical Daryl”.
“Typical Daryl would be to be ‘vociferous’ in his advocacy of projects that he wanted to get across the line?” Counsel Assisting the commission Scott Robertson asked.
“I would say he was a pain in the arse,” Mr Barilaro replied.
“He was a very strong local member and someone that really didn’t let go … dog with a bone.”
The $5.5 million grant proposal for shooting club went before cabinet’s expenditure review committee in December 2016, when Ms Berejiklian was treasurer.
Mr Barilaro told the ICAC he first learned of the secret relationship when it was revealed by Ms Berejiklian at last year’s public hearing.
“I think most of us would have done everything differently,” he said of the committee meeting.
“The way that the item would have been debated, who would have been in attendance, and if there was a process and another approach in dealing with what would be a perceived conflict of interest.”
Mr Barilaro described the shooting club proposal as “unusual” because it was dealt with “expeditiously” at Ms Berejiklian’s request and because its quantum was below what the committee usually considered.
He said the first item on the agenda of the meetings was always any potential conflicts, but legal advice could also have been sought in advance of the meeting.
“If at the time the treasurer had declared a conflict of interest, she would not have been part of the conversation or debate, and that in itself would have protected many of us in relation to the decision making.”
He said the relationship was a matter that needed to be “managed”.
Mr Barilaro said the project was ultimately funded appropriately based on its merits and a benefit-to-cost analysis which, upon revision, met a government benchmark.
He said Ms Berejiklian, who became premier in January 2017, indicated “support” for the project after the meeting and requested updates.
Ms Berejiklian, who has denied wrongdoing and said she always acted with the highest degree of integrity, is expected to give evidence on Thursday and Friday.