Riverina MP Michael McCormack has defended two Wagga projects at the centre of an ICAC investigation that triggered Premier Gladys Berejiklian's resignation.
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The Premier stepped down on Friday following the the state watchdog's announcement of an investigation into her links to former Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.
The allegations relate to millions of dollars in grants awarded to the Australian Clay Target Association for a function centre in Wagga and to the Riverina Conservatorium of Music in Wagga to move to a new building.
On Friday, Riverina MP Michael McCormack told The Daily Advertiser the projects in question were necessary for the community.
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"Both of those projects were needed and both of those project were good for our city," Mr McCormack said. "They [had been] called for by the community and the volunteer organisations that run those associations for a long time."
Mr McCormack said he couldn't comment on the funding process which will be investigated by ICAC, but said the allegations should not tarnish Wagga's reputation.
"No one should think anything less of Wagga for its involvement in this matter," Mr McCormack said. "Our city is the best city in Australia and we're very proud of it."
While I appreciate that it has been dragged into this, it is a matter for ICAC to determine what happens from now."
He added the Premier is an "earnest and decent" person who gave regional NSW its due in her time in the job.
Wagga MP Joe McGirr, who won the seat previously held by Mr Maguire after his resignation triggered a by-election, said it would be "inappropriate" to comment on the ICAC investigations.
"Premier Gladys Berejiklian's announcement of her resignation as Premier and from Parliament has come as a shock," Dr McGirr said, adding he "sincerely wishes her the best".
MLC Wes Fang similarly did not comment on the ICAC probe but said the Premier's resignation was the right call at a critical juncture for the state.
"I was surprised, it was unexpected but I think it is the right decision in order to provide clear air for the government to get this state through to the 80 per cent double vaccination level and allowing us to open up," he said.
Wagga mayor Greg Conkey also declined to comment on the investigations into Ms Berejiklian's ties to the former Wagga MP and project funding, but said she has served well in the position.
Meanwhile, Murray MP Helen Dalton did not pull any punches, saying she welcomed the investigation.
"ICAC have got to do their job, and if she has to be called in front of ICAC then so be it, it has to be done," Ms Dalton said.
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