A former Wagga MP has been charged by the Australia Border Force. Photo: Supplied.
Former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire has been charged with criminal conspiracy over alleged visa and migration fraud while in NSW Parliament.
Mr McGuire resigned in 2018 in the wake of an anti-corruption inquiry and faced additional scrutiny after details of his romantic relationship with former premier Gladys Berejiklian came to light.
In audio recordings revealed during the ICAC investigations, he advised the premier in 2018 to “just throw money at Wagga,” in the by-election for his seat.
McGuire served between 1999 and 2018 and despite his political demise, his legacy in the city continues. He was publicly thanked last week by both federal member Michael McCormack and Mayor Dallas Tout at the opening of the city’s new $23 million PCYC facility.
The Australia Border Force confirmed that the disgraced politician and a “female person of interest” were accused of conspiring between January 2013 and August 2015.
Federal prosecutors will allege he conspired with migration agent Maggie Sining Logan to have false or misleading documents furnished which allowed non-citizens to remain in Australia.
While under oath at the ICAC investigation, Maguire admitted using his position in parliament and as the chair of the NSW Asia-Pacific parliamentary friendship group to “make money”.
The visa scheme involved identifying Australian businesses to sponsor Chinese nationals who would then pay up to $20,000 for their visas.
Mr Maguire agreed that large sums of money were delivered to his parliamentary office.
The case was heard in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday (29 November) and Maguire was released on conditional bail to reappear on 7 February next year.
The 63-year-old was required to surrender his passport and remain in Wagga unless he notifies police, and he is restricted from contacting people associated with the case.
He could face prison time or fines of up to $34,000.
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