Daryl Maguire may have had key to Berejiklian’s house, clouding Premier’s version of relationship

nsw polThe Premier was questioned by One Nation leader Mark Latham about home access allegedly given to Daryl Maguire.

Former NSW MP Daryl Maguire and state Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian allegedly gave a house key to the former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire, with parliament hearing he may have had access to her property for “many years” and came and went from the premises routinely.

NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham put the information to the government during Question Time in the Legislative Council, suggesting that this marked a failure by Ms Berejiklian to disclose her secret relationship.

NSW One Nation MLC Mark Latham. Picture: Richard Dobson

Ms Berejiklian has repeatedly stated that the pair were in a “close, personal relationship” but one that did not meet the threshold for disclosure under the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct.

Mr Latham told parliament that not only did Mr Maguire have a key to the property but appeared to have come and gone from the premises, including as recently as September.

“Given that Daryl Maguire had a key to the premier’s north shore home for many years, and while cohabitating came and went as he liked as recently as last month, doesn’t this demonstrate an intimate personal relationship and the premier’s failure under the ministerial code of conduct to declare all of Daryl Maguire’s business interests?” Mr Latham asked.

“I’ll take the question on notice,” replied Don Harwin, the Government Leader in the Upper House.

Berejiklian hits back at ‘incorrect’ claims

Asked about the matter of the key in Question Time, and whether her relationship with Mr Maguire should have therefore been disclosed sooner, Ms Berejiklian indicated the details were “practically factually incorrect”.

She also issued a warning to the Opposition to be vigilant for breaching aspects of the ICAC Act governing suppressed evidence.

“Given Daryl Maguire had a key and ongoing access to your home for several years, including as recently as last month, why have you been misleading the people of NSW every day since you appeared at ICAC,” asked Labor leader Jodi McKay.

Ms Berejiklian said in reply that the ICAC process needed to continue without interruption. The Speaker, Jonathan O’Dea, suggested twice that he would potentially make a ruling about whether the Premier should answer the question, however this was abandoned when Ms Berejiklian indicated she was willing to respond.

“Today, and in the last little while, I’ve heard and read things which are practically factually incorrect, and I’ve chosen not to respond because there’s a process in place. If we have faith in the process as I do, let the integrity agency do its work.”

Ms McKay then put it to Ms Berejiklian that claims the relationship was not of “sufficient status” had “fallen apart”.

“When will you finally stop deceiving the people of NSW and resign?”

“The leader of the opposition has chosen to repeat things that are factually incorrect. The leader of the opposition has chosen not to respect the proceedings that are taking place, and I say that’s on their head.”

Late on Thursday the NSW Transport Minister, Andrew Constance, called a press conference announcing that the government would attempt to refer Ms McKay and Mr Latham to the parliament’s Privileges Committee.

Mr Constance said this would be done in order for them to explain the source of their information regarding the house key allegedly provided by Ms Berejiklian to Mr Maguire.

Following the press conference Ms McKay tweeted that the basis for her questions to the premier were articles reporting Mr Latham’s remarks in the Upper House.

“I categorically reject his assertion that I was working with Mark Latham in this matter. I find that allegation offensive,” Ms McKay said.

“If Andrew Constance and the Liberal Party think I will stop fighting for integrity and the highest standard of government they are sorely misguided.”