Berejiklian ICAC report being finalised
The anti-corruption commissioner overseeing the inquiry that prompted former premier Gladys Berejiklian's resignation has been given more time to finish her report.
Ruth McColl SC had been due to depart the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption at the end of October but the integrity agency on Friday said it still needed her work.
"Ms McColl's services are required for the purpose of her finalising the Operation Keppel report, including participating in the review and editing process of that report," ICAC said in a statement on Friday.
Ms McColl was appointed in July 2020 to oversee Operation Keppel, which began as an investigation into Ms Berejiklian's former partner, Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, over his use of public office for private gain.
But when the then-premier sensationally revealed their clandestine relationship, it sparked a further investigation into her conduct.
Ms Berejiklian resigned as premier in October 2021 and now works for Optus.
ICAC's investigations and the time it takes for them to be completed have drawn criticism in the past.
Despite an 11 per cent funding boost for the commission in the June budget, chief commissioner John Hatzistergos told a budget estimates hearing in September ICAC still had a full workload due to prior cuts.
A section of the ICAC Act allows for the engagement of suitably qualified people as consultants.
Another section requires the commission to provide reports on its investigations as soon as possible.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails