Ex Wagga MP Daryl Maguire found guilty of conspiracy

Former New South Wales Member of Parliament Daryl Maguire has been found guilty of conspiracy in relation to a fraudulent visa scheme. The jury delivered its verdict to Judge Ian Bourke SC in the NSW District Court on July 17, 2026, after five days of deliberation.

Maguire, who represented Wagga Wagga, was accused of knowingly participating in a scheme that provided false or misleading information to the Commonwealth for visa applications. These applications allowed non-citizens to remain in Australia between 2013 and 2025, while he was a sitting MP.

The court heard that Maguire worked with his associate Maggie Wang and migration agent Monica Hao. Maguire's role involved recruiting participants, primarily Chinese nationals seeking permanent residency. Business owners in his former electorate reportedly received cash payments for their involvement, and Maguire reportedly avoided questions about these payments.

Evidence presented showed 20 visa applications were lodged during the period under review. The court also heard of Maguire's long-standing ties to China, including visits with business owners involved in the scheme and a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2014.

In a separate development, Maguire's conviction for giving misleading evidence to the New South Wales corruption watchdog has been overturned. He had been sentenced to 10 months in prison for false and misleading statements made during a 2018 Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry. However, an appeal court upheld his appeal in March, overturning that charge. Sentencing for the conspiracy charge is expected in October, while his co-conspirator, Ms. Wang, is due for sentencing in August.