The ICAC revives old doubts about NSW corruption

The problems surrounding the lobbying of politicians are very serious. Pushing for government decisions without disclosing financial interest is exactly why former Labor MP Eddie Obeid is now in prison. He was sentenced to a five-year sentence for the offense of misconduct in the public service that involved the use of his influence as a deputy to extend leases for cafes at Circular Quay in which he secretly had an interest in. In fact, the Obeid trial was still ongoing while Mr. Maguire was talking on the phone with his mate. Mr. Maguire had to be very aware of the risks he was running.

million. Maguire resigned as parliamentary secretary for counterterrorism and resigned from the Liberal parliamentary party to sit on the platform, but refused to leave Parliament. Despite the potential embarrbadment of a by-election, Ms. Berejiklian should use every means she has to encourage her to resign

The scandal will cast a much larger shadow in the mind from a public skeptical about the integrity of major decisions involving real estate developers. Just four years ago, 10 Liberal MPs resigned after the CCIC revealed a wide range of laws prohibiting donations by real estate developers

The issue of high density development is critical to Sydney's ability to effectively host a growing population. Mr. Maguire's behavior only deepens an already well-held belief that even at the higher echelons of the state, decisions about approvals and infrastructure are made on the basis of personal gain rather than of the public interest. Herald approves ALP's appeals for an audit of Mr. Maguire's contacts with ministers and the government.

The scandal also sheds light on the ongoing campaign against the powers of the ICAC and its commissioner Megan Latham. Maguire was talking to his comrades. In what some say is a return on the embarrbadment that the ICAC has caused to the Liberal Party, the Baird government effectively sacked Ms. Latham in 2016 and then reduced the ICAC budget

Mr. Maguire's antics, however, confirm the role played by the ICAC and its unique public hearings, however, they are uncomfortable for the powers in place. In the last budget, Ms. Berejiklian has rightly restored the ICAC budget. She should also use the revelations on Mr. Maguire as an opportunity to approve the work of the CCIC.