NSW government ‘disappointed’ in Eddie Obeid Crime Commission outcome

The state government has supported moves to crackdown on the proceeds of crime after the Crime Commission said it could not call back the $30 million jailed former Labor minister Eddie Obeid made from a corrupt coal licence deal.

Eddie Obeid during his trial in 2020. Picture: Toby Zerna

The state government has supported moves to crackdown on the proceeds of crime after the Crime Commission said it could not call back the $30 million dollars jailed former Labor minister Eddie Obeid made from a corrupt coal license deal.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley and Deputy Premier Prue Car said they were “disappointed” by the independent commissions’ decision.

It comes after the commission concluded pursuing a criminal confiscation case to reclaim the money from the 81-year-old and his family was not feasible.

“There will be a lot of people disappointed by this decision – and we understand that. We’re disappointed too,” they said.

“The Commission has said the use of complex discretionary trusts to conceal the proceeds of crime is a national problem that requires legislative reform.

Eddie Obeid and his family will be able to keep the $30 million. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

“The NSW Government supports legislative change to ensure that people who engage in corrupt conduct are not able to hide the proceeds of these crimes.”

Ms Catley and Ms Car described the former minister’s actions as “one of the most serious examples of the misuse of public office in NSW”.

NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car said she was “disappointed” by the independent commission‘s decision. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman said the decision was a “kick in the guts for people right across NSW”. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire

They said the government supported oversight bodies, including the Crime Commission, to “hold all of us to account” and to ensure elected officials work in the public interest.

Opposition leader Mark Speakman echoed disappointment in the decision, labelling it a “kick in the guts for people right across NSW”.

“I think the people of NSW will be shocked and outraged that Mr Obeid and his family look like they’re going to keep their $30m of ill-gotten gains at a time when families are struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table,” he said.

“None of this is a criticism of the Crime Commission … but it can’t be the end.

“The government now has to start look at legislating to recover (the money).”

Originally published as NSW government ‘disappointed’ in Eddie Obeid Crime Commission outcome