The trial of former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire has revealed evidence that he knew dishonesty towards the Department of Immigration was a component of a fraudulent visa scheme. The 67-year-old is accused of being aware that false or misleading information was provided to the Commonwealth on visa applications, allowing non-citizens to remain in Australia.

The jury heard that these activities occurred between 2013 and 2015, while Maguire was still serving as an MP. He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit an offence related to recruiting businesses, mainly in his former electorate, to sponsor Chinese nationals seeking permanent residency.

Crown Prosecutor Sean Flood SC, in his closing address after 10 days of witness evidence at the NSW District Court, referred to thousands of text messages and emails between Maguire, his alleged co-conspirator Maggie Wang (also known as Maggie Logan), and migration agent Monica Hao. Flood stated, "Mr Maguire knows Ms Wang is involved in migration matters," and emphasized that Maguire's role as a rural parliamentarian meant he would have known that one could not "buy a visa."

Flood acknowledged that Maguire did not submit any visa-related forms to the Commonwealth and noted the Crown made no allegation that the use of cash was illegal. He added, "Mr Maguire referred prospective employers to Maggie Wang, there's nothing wrong in that."

The court also heard that Maguire was clearly informed paperwork was involved in the process, which was handled by Ms. Hao, and that cash payments were less easily identified.

Sources