The Sauce: Could Gladys’s secret relationship lead to ‘shag register’?

Following Gladys Berejiklian’s testimony at ICAC about whether her former lover was ‘family’, MPs are concerned the parliament might institute a ‘shag register’.

With Gladys Berejiklian doubling down at the Independent Commission Against Corruption on how her secret relationship with Daryl Maguire was “not of sufficient status” to disclose, several MPs are now concerned the ministerial code of conduct could be broadened to include — as one senior Liberal put it — “shags”.

Under the NSW ministerial code of conduct, a minister, including the premier, must disclose potential conflict matters that involve a “family member”.

MPs fear that Gladys Berejiklian’s undisclosed relationship with Daryl Maguire may lead to a ‘shag’ register.

While the corruption watchdog released a text between Ms Berejiklian and her then-lover Maguire in which she stated “but you are my family”, the former premier dismissed it as “a turn of phrase”.

She said while Maguire was in her “love circle” — and she did have “aspirations” for him to become family — she was never assured of his commitment to her, noting, too, how the former Wagga Wagga MP was often in Sydney without her knowledge.

Should the corruption watchdog rule that disclosure was warranted, MPs are concerned this could lead to an overhaul of the code to capture relationships that were not “official” enough to be “family”.

One senior Liberal — and staunch supporter of Ms Berejiklian — asked whether the government might be forced to create a “sex register”.

Gladys Berejiklian faces counsel assisting Scott Robertson and commissioner Ruth McColl at ICAC this week.

“At best, ICAC have demonstrated a technical breach of declaration requirements and go nowhere near meeting the definition of systemic or serious corruption,” the MP said.

“ICAC appears to only be interested in the sex life of our former premier – what other politician in the country would have to declare anyone that they are shagging?

“Are they seriously suggesting that every politician declare who they are shagging?

“Next they’ll be calling for sex register for all MPs. What a joke.”

SMACK ’EM

Helen Dalton shows her softer side with a sponge cake for staff.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Helen Dalton has revealed focus group testing has found she is “too aggressive”.

But one has to hand it to the Murray MP for owning it.

In a recent Facebook post, Ms Dalton wrote about the research above a picture of herself with a giant sponge cake.

“Focus group testing says I’m too aggressive,” she posted. “I totally disagree. Look, today I baked a sponge cake and brought it in for my staff. Includes apricot jam made on my farm. I hope my staff like it.

“And if they don’t? I’ll smack ’em upside the head.”

ZOOM FAIL

After almost two years of living with a pandemic, one would think handling a Zoom call would have become second nature for most.

But at NSW budget estimates last week, it was clear this was not the case. Those present at the Planning and Public Spaces hearing in Parliament House on Thursday were bemused to listen to phone conversations being undertaken by one of the witnesses who had forgotten to put his Zoom call on mute.

Landcom chief executive John Brogden needs to brush up on his Zoom skills. Picture: Toby Zerna

Landcom chief executive John Brogden appeared oblivious to the fact everyone at the hearing could hear him deep in conversation, prompting Nationals MP Ben Franklin to quip: “It could be worse.”

At least he wasn’t a cat, as happened to one Texas lawyer unable to turn off filters earlier this year.

THIRSTY WORK

Interrogating pollies and public servants is clearly thirsty work, given the volume of water counsel assisting the ICAC Scott Robertson downs during a standard six-hour session.

Council Assisting the ICAC Scott Robertson keeps well hydrated. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Nikki Short

But it’s good to see the monotone barrister has switched up his routine to include a refillable water bottle.

According to legal sources, Robertson previously ploughed through the standard water bottles the ICAC made available, leaving a pile of recycling by the end of the day.

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