ICAC to investigate delays in publishing findings of Gladys Berejiklian corruption probe

The probe will examine whether the delay in handing down the report was ‘unreasonable, unjust or improperly discriminatory’.

President of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin, The Speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly Greg Piper receive the ICAC report on former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on June 29, 2023. Photo: James Brickwood.

The chief inspector of the NSW corruption watchdog has launched an investigation into whether “maladministration” played a part in the 18-month delay in finalising its investigation into former state premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Independent Commission Against Corruption Inspector Gail Furness SC has written to former deputy premier Matt Kean to commence the probe into whether the delay in handing down the Operation Keppel report was “unreasonable, unjust, oppressive or improperly discriminatory”, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Gladys Berejiklian on the day the findings were handed down Picture: Daily Telegraph, Monique Harmer

In June, ICAC ruled Ms Berejiklian’s secret relationship with the former MP for Wagga Wagga, Daryl Maguire, had influenced her actions while in power. The investigation found she had repeatedly breached public trust and concealed Mr Maguire’s activities.

The probe began in September 2021, and was not finalised until June 29.

Ms Furness, whose job is to oversee the operations and conduct of the commission, will also determine whether ICAC’s decision to invite media into the room when the report was handed down was appropriate.

The wait time for the report was questioned by both sides of politics following its release, with the NSW Labor government moving to announce laws that would require ICAC to publish deadlines for its findings.

Gail Furness SC (AAP Image/Erik Anderson)