ICAC being investigated for potential “maladministration” over Gladys report

The Independent Commission Against Corruption is being investigated in relation to its probe into former Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption is being investigated over potential “maladministration” in relation to its probe into former Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that the high-powered official appointed to hold the corruption watchdog to account has commenced an investigation into whether the ICAC’s delays in handing down its report was “unreasonable, unjust, oppressive or improperly discriminatory”.

The ICAC last found that Ms Berejiklian engaged in “serious corrupt conduct” by breaching public trust and refusing to report her then-lover Daryl Maguire to the corruption watchdog.

The findings were handed down on June 29, more than 600 days after the final public hearing into Ms Berejiklian.

Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian pictured as she leaves home in Sydney on the day her ICAC findings are handed down. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Ms Berejiklian was told that she would be the subject of public hearings on September 30, 2021 – before resigning the next day.

The Inspector of the ICAC, Gail Furness, is now investigating whether the length of time between September 30 2021 and June 29 2023 amounts to “maladministration”.

Inspector of the ICAC Gail Furness has determined the scope of the investigation into the ICAC over its report into Gladys Berejiklian. Picture: AAP Image

She is also investigating the appropriateness of ICAC’s procedures, and probing the watchdog for inviting media into the room when the report was finally handed down.

The Telegraph previously reported that Ms Furness had decided to launch an investigation. Now the scope of that investigation has been determined.

Ms Furness confirmed the scope of the investigation in a letter to senior Liberal Matt Kean, seen by The Daily Telegraph.

The media were invited to capture ICAC officials handing the report into Ms Berejiklian over to parliament’s presiding officers on June 29. Picture: NCA NewsWire

The email was sent in response to a complaint Mr Kean lodged the day before the Operation Keppel report was handed down.

When contacted on Monday, the Office of the Inspector said Ms Furness would “not be providing updates” on the investigation.

As the Inspector of the ICAC, Ms Furness can investigate the ICAC’s operations or its officers’ conduct, is entitled to full access to ICAC’s records, and haul ICAC officers in to answer questions.

ICAC found Ms Berejiklian engaged in “serious corrupt conduct” by breaching public trust and refusing to report her then-lover Daryl Maguire to the corruption watchdog. Picture: NCA NewsWire

She can recommend disciplinary action or even criminal prosecution against officers of the ICAC.

“Many in my community shared my belief that the corruption watchdog had turned the investigation into the former Premier and the release of their findings into an undignified circus, now we’ll find out if they’ve also crossed a legal line,” Matt Kean said.

“This investigation will make clear if the ICAC has engaged in serious maladministration, inappropriate activity and serious impropriety, but the damage to Gladys has already been done.

“I welcome the decision, especially the recommendation that the outcome of such a serious investigation be made public.”