A corruption investigation into Gladys Berejiklian won’t report back until mid-2022

Gladys Berejiklian’s ICAC appearance transfixed the state last week but there will no findings into her conduct until the middle of next year.

Findings from the corruption watchdog’s investigation into Gladys Berejiklian are unlikely to be handed down until at least the middle of next year.

A timetable has now been set for the next stages of the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s investigation – with counsel assisting the inquiry to provide his submissions to relevant parties by December 20.

It comes as Premier Dominic Perrottet called for the corruption watchdog to finish its investigations “as expeditiously as possible”.

Submissions from lawyers – including Ms Berejiklian’s formidable legal team – are due back on February 14 next year.

In a statement, the ICAC said that “the taking of evidence … has concluded”.

Mr Perrottet said the government would “look at” any changes that might need to be made to ensure the Independent Commission Against Corruption can conclude investigations quickly – such as increased funding.

“Ultimately, we want to get to a conclusion in relation to those proceedings as quickly as possible,” he said.

Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she wants to “get on with my life”. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Premier Dominic Perrottet wants the ICAC to deliver findings “expeditiously”. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

He said the government will look at funding for the ICAC “in due course”.

The corruption watchdog has long called for a change in its funding, to make funding independent of the executive government.

Mr Perrottet refused to comment on his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian’s appearance before the corruption watchdog, and sent a veiled warning to his Ministers that they should also remain silent.

“The Independent Commission (Against Corruption) needs to have, free from political interference, the opportunity to conclude its work to provide a public report,” he said.

“We won’t be providing an ongoing commentary in relation to these proceedings, every single person in my team is focused on one thing, and that’s the people of our great state,” he said.

It comes after it was revealed that Ms Berejiklian’s secret lover told her to download an encrypted messaging app and get a private phone.

Mr Perrottet revealed he has a private phone separate from his work phone, as other MPs do.

“Many ministers and many members of parliament do that to keep your professional work separate from your private discussions,” he said.

“Ultimately, it’s important that information that is relevant to ministerial decision making is conducted in accordance with rules that are in place. If that needs to be updated from time to time or based on changes in technology, then the government (will) always look at it,” he said.