Inspector of the ICAC launches investigation into corruption watchdog over Gladys report

The watchdog tasked with investigating potential corruption is now facing an investigation into its own conduct over the handling of the Gladys Berejiklian probe.

The high-powered official appointed to hold the Independent Commission Against Corruption to account has launched an investigation into why it took the corruption watchdog so long to finalise its report into former Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that the ICAC is now being investigated over the delay in completing the Operation Keppel findings, which were handed down on Thursday more than 600 days after the final public hearing.

The report found Ms Berejiklian engaged in serious corrupt conduct by breaching public trust and refusing to report her then-lover to the ICAC. It made corruption findings against former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, and recommended the DPP consider criminal charges.

The investigation into ICAC has been launched by the Inspector of the ICAC, an independent officer with powers similar to corruption watchdog itself.

The Inspector of the ICAC, Gail Furness, has the power to handle complaints into whether ICAC abused its power or committed misconduct.

Inspector of the ICAC Gail Furness. Picture: AAP Image

Ms Furness can also probe whether the ICAC’s delays could have amounted to maladministration.

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.

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

“The Inspector is currently determining the scope of an investigation around the delay in the furnishing of the Operation Keppel report to parliament,” the Office of the Inspector said in a statement to the Telegraph.

Gladys Berejiklian dodges questions on Thursday ahead of the ICAC report’s release. Picture: Monique Harmer

“The Inspector intends to make a special report to parliament at the conclusion of her investigation, which she will recommend be made public.”

The Telegraph revealed on Thursday that former Treasurer Matt Kean had written to Ms Furness asking her to investigate the handling of Operation Keppel.

Operation Keppel’s findings were delayed three times, including earlier this year – when the ICAC said it would not be finished before the election.

Daryl Maguire was found to be corrupt by the ICAC. Picture: NCA NewsWire

As earlier revealed by the Telegraph, person presiding over the investigation – Ruth McColl – earned more than $1.1 million for her work on the operation.

The ICAC has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of the inquiry into Ms Berejiklian, including for the time it has taken to finish its inquiry.

The previous Inspector of the ICAC, Bruce McClintock, conducted three investigations into the handling of Operation Keppel.

One investigation, launched after the ICAC intercepted and played a phone call between Daryl Maguire and a Japanese diplomat, raised concerns about whether the ICAC broke international law.

“The position concerning the lawfulness of ICAC’s conduct is not clear or settled,” McClintock wrote in his 2021 report.

Mr Kean on Friday called for the findings to be investigated as well as the delay.

“I’d especially be interested for any investigation to include why ICAC is able to opine that there is serious corrupt conduct, while simultaneously claiming there is not enough evidence for a corruption charge,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the ICAC said accountability for the watchdog is important.

“The Commission acknowledges the importance of its own accountability and transparency, and recognises the important oversight functions of the Inspector of the ICAC and of the Parliamentary Committee on the ICAC.”