This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Australian Federal Police will investigate whether former New South Wales state MP Daryl Maguire was involved in the federal government’s controversial $30 million Leppington Triangle acquisition after it emerged that a valuer was not allowed on site and had to do “a drive by”.
The revelation comes as the Australian National Audit Office executive director, Brian Boyd told the Senate Estimates hearing into the matter that the valuer – who was suggested by then-owner Leppington Pastoral Company – never actually went onto the 12.26 hectare property, next to the future Western Sydney Airport in Badgerys Creek.
Concerns have also been raised about why this was the sole valuation undertaken ahead of the sale to the federal government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
Multiple investigations have now been launched into the decision by two officials within the Department’s Western Sydney Unit to green light the $29.8 million acquisition in 2018 of land that was valued one year later at just $3 million.
The property is not due to be developed until 2050.
“The valuer wasn’t allowed to undertake the inquiries you would normally expect a valuer to undertake,” Boyd said, adding that they were not allowed on the land and “did a drive by”, and that they objected to instructions given by the Department.
“You had a very wide range of around $4 to $5 million between the upper lower range. The Department used a mid-point, as if that had some science to it, which it really didn’t.” Boyd added.
Meanwhile the AFP is seeking information from the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to see if Maguire was involved in the land deal.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney confirmed the agency has launched a separate investigation into the Leppington Triangle transaction.
In Tuesday’s Senate Estimates hearing Labor senator Kristina Keneally asked: “So, as part of your preliminary investigation into the Leppington Triangle you will also speak to ICAC about Mr Maguire’s potential involvement in land transactions there?”
“Correct,” Deputy Commissioner McCartney answered.
Maguire has been the subject of an ICAC probe looking into allegations he used his position for financial gain.
