Former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire charged with giving false evidence to ICAC

Another charge has been laid against former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, just days out from the long-awaited release of ICAC’s findings in relation to an unrelated probe.

Former Wagga MP Daryl Maguire has been charged with giving false and misleading evidence in relation to a corruption inquiry involving Canterbury council, just days before the findings of another inquiry regarding he and former premier Gladys Berejiklian are set to be handed down.

A spokeswoman for the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed Mr Maguire was charged earlier this month over Operation Dasha, which probed allegations of serious corruption at the former Canterbury City Council.

The NSW watchdog recommended in 2021 that Mr Maguire face criminal charges over testimony given during Operation Dasha.

Former NSW Liberal MP Daryl Maguire outside the Downing Centre in 2022. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brendan Read

“A Court Attendance Notice was served on Daryl Maguire on 2 June 2023 for one count of giving false and misleading evidence … This is in relation to the Commission’s Operation Dasha investigation into the conduct of councillors of the former Canterbury City Council and others,” a spokeswoman for ICAC said.

The revelations come just days before the findings of another ICAC inquiry linked to Mr Maguire and involving former Premier Gladys Berejiklian – who revealed she was in “close personal relationship” with the former Wagga MP under questioning by ICAC almost three years ago – are set to be handed down.

The former Premier has categorically denied any wrongdoing and continues to do so.

ICAC confirmed last week that the findings regarding Mr Maguire and Ms Berejiklian’s probe would be handed down on Thursday.