Wagga MP Daryl Maguire has refused to shed light on a questionable meeting he arranged between NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and two convicted publicans.
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The Premier visited the Riverina in late October to “discuss gaming issues” with three publicans, including Gino Scutti, who burnt down his pub in 2010, and Nicholas Tinning, who plead guilty to illegally possessing five poker machines last April.
Despite coming under scrutiny for his role in arranging this meeting, Mr Maguire has refused to disclose its focus.
“It has always been a policy of this office to never discuss matters of constituents out of confidence, and I am not about to start now,” Mr Maguire said.
“Constituents need assurances they can confide in their local member and trust their discussions will be treated with respect.”
Wagga councillor and former NSW Labor candidate Dan Hayes called out Mr Maguire for his response, questioning his refusal to speak and his decision to arrange the meeting.
“I think it shows very poor judgement by a local member – not only in arranging this meeting, but also choosing to remain silent on it,” Cr Hayes said.
“Out of all the constituents in the electorate – nurses, TAFE students, teachers, parents from the Collingullie school facing closure, hydrotherapy pool users – out of all these possible people, this is who he goes with?
“There are serious questions here that he needs to answer, and I think this shows the priorities of Mr Maguire and the government.”
The Daily Advertiser contacted Premier Berejiklian on Friday, but she refused to comment.
