Mike Baird, Stuart Ayres called to front ICAC in Gladys Berejiklian probe

Former Premier Mike Baird and Deputy Liberal Leader Stuart Ayres have both been called to front ICAC as witnesses into an investigation into Gladys Berejiklian’s conduct.

Former Premier Mike Baird and Deputy Liberal Leader Stuart Ayres have both been called to front the Independent Commission Against Corruption as witnesses into an investigation into Gladys Berejiklian’s conduct.

Ms Berejiklian will not appear at the ICAC next week.

As part of the ICAC’s Operation Keppel, which was launched to investigate Ms Berejiklian’s former lover Daryl Maguire, the corruption watchdog is now investigating whether the former Premier engaged in conduct that “constituted or involved a breach of public trust”.

Former NSW Premier Mike Baird. Picture: AAP

Deputy Liberal Leader Stuart Ayres. Picture: Richard Dobson

The investigations involve the awarding of a grant to the Australian Clay Target Association Inc in 2016-2017, and a grant awarded to the Riverina Conservatorium of Music in Wagga Wagga in 2018.

The ICAC is also investigating whether Ms Berejiklian engaged in conduct which “was liable to allow or encourage the occurrence of corrupt conduct by Mr Maguire”.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian last month before stepping down Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Opposition Treasurer Joe Hockey with his then media advisor Nigel Blunden in 2011.

A number of former public servants have been listed as witnesses for the first five days of hearings.

Mr Baird and his former Director of Strategy Nigel Blunden will give evidence on Wednesday.

Mr Ayres will give evidence on Friday.