Former NSW Liberal MP Daryl Maguire has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment with a five-month non-parole period for giving false evidence to the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The sentencing, delivered on 20th August 2025, marks the culmination of a lengthy legal process stemming from his testimony during a corruption inquiry in 2018.
Magistrate Clare Farnan imposed the sentence at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court, rejecting Maguire’s application to suppress publication of the guilty verdict. The 66-year-old former Wagga Wagga MP showed no remorse for his actions, according to the magistrate’s observations during sentencing.
The Property Deal at the Centre of the Case
The charges relate to Maguire’s evidence during ICAC’s Operation Dasha, which investigated corruption allegations at Canterbury City Council. In June 2025, a magistrate found Maguire guilty of giving false or misleading evidence to the ICAC. On 20 August 2025, Maguire was sentenced to 10 months in prison for giving false evidence.
The case centred on a AUD 48 million property development in Campsie, Sydney’s southwest, where Maguire stood to receive approximately $720,000 in commission. Prosecutors allege these statements were evidence Maguire was expecting to be paid and his later denials to ICAC were misleading enough to have a material impact on its investigation.
During covertly recorded phone calls with former Canterbury councillor Michael Hawatt in May 2016, Maguire discussed the development deal with disturbing frankness. “What’s the margin in it for you?” Maguire asked Hawatt during one intercepted conversation. When told the commission could be up to three per cent, Maguire responded: “One-point-five per cent isn’t enough divided by two, if you know what I’m talking about.”
Misleading Evidence Under Oath
The misleading evidence canvassed Maguire’s dealings with former Canterbury City councillor Michael Hawatt on a potential property development, in which Maguire could have received about $720,000 in commission. When questioned by ICAC investigators, Maguire denied entering into any business arrangements with Hawatt and claimed their discussions were of a “general nature” about property.
However, the recorded phone calls painted a different picture. In one conversation, Maguire told Hawatt: “This will be very worthwhile for us but he’s got to do three per cent.” He also boasted about his client being “mega big” with “mega money,” referring to Chinese property interests he was allegedly representing.
“His evidence – there was nothing in it for him – was misleading,” Sydney magistrate Clare Farnan said when sentencing Maguire on Wednesday. “In fact, he expected to receive part of a commission if the property was sold.”
The Berejiklian Connection
Maguire’s legal troubles gained national attention when his secret relationship with former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian was exposed during separate ICAC proceedings in 2020. Maguire, best known for his secret relationship with Gladys Berejiklian while she was NSW premier, was sentenced to a non-parole period of five months on Wednesday.
The revelation of their five-year intimate relationship, which spanned her time as transport minister, treasurer, and premier, ultimately led to Berejiklian’s resignation from office. ICAC later found that Berejiklian had breached public trust by failing to disclose the relationship and report Maguire’s potentially corrupt statements to the commission.
Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian
This scandal has become emblematic of the challenges facing NSW politics, particularly following other recent political upheavals including the Liberal-National Coalition split and ongoing tensions within the Liberal Party over women’s representation.
Upcoming Visa Fraud Trial
Maguire’s legal battles are far from over. He faces a separate criminal trial beginning in September 2025 on charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. The charges relate to allegations that between January 2013 and August 2015, he conspired with migration agent Maggie Sining Logan to breach the Migration Act.
Federal prosecutors allege Mr Maguire conspired with the Cremorne Point woman to have false or misleading documents provided to the federal government, in connection with non-citizens’ visa applications. The scheme allegedly involved visa applicants paying the first three months of their wages and commissions of up to $20,000.
At ICAC hearings, Maguire admitted to using his position as an MP, parliamentary secretary, and chair of the NSW Asia-Pacific parliamentary friendship group “with a view to making money” for himself and associates between 2012 and 2018.
Political Ramifications
Maguire’s downfall represents a significant moment for NSW politics and follows a pattern of corruption scandals that have rocked the state’s political establishment. His case highlights ongoing issues with political integrity that continue to influence NSW politics and voter confidence.
The ICAC investigation that exposed Maguire also led to the downfall of one of NSW’s most popular premiers, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of corruption allegations. The case has contributed to broader discussions about political accountability ahead of future elections, including the upcoming Australian federal election.
Legal Precedent and Sentencing Considerations
Ms Farnan said it was difficult to determine the long-time Wagga Wagga MP’s motivation as Maguire maintained his innocence and did not give evidence about why he gave the misleading evidence. The magistrate noted that while Maguire had good prospects of rehabilitation and was unlikely to reoffend, his lack of remorse was a concerning factor.
The sentence would have been 12 months but for the almost five-year delay in prosecuting the offence, the magistrate observed. This delay factor became crucial in determining the final penalty, reflecting the justice system’s recognition that prolonged legal proceedings can themselves constitute a form of punishment.
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Former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack provided a character reference for Maguire, highlighting his historical community work and contributions to the Wagga Wagga region during his time in parliament.
