Closing arguments are underway in the trial of former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, who stands accused of participating in a fraudulent visa scheme between 2013 and 2015. The NSW District Court has heard evidence suggesting Mr. Maguire was aware that deception was an integral part of the operation to secure permanent residency for non-citizens in Australia.

Allegations of Deception in Visa Scheme

The prosecution contends that the 67-year-old former Member of Parliament knowingly allowed false or misleading information to be submitted to the Commonwealth on visa applications. This alleged involvement occurred while Mr. Maguire was a serving MP, and he has pleaded not guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit an offense. The scheme reportedly involved Mr. Maguire enlisting businesses, predominantly within his former electorate, to sponsor Chinese nationals seeking to remain in Australia permanently.

After ten days of testimony from various witnesses, Crown Prosecutor Sean Flood SC presented his closing address. Mr. Flood drew the jury’s attention to a substantial volume of text messages and emails presented as evidence. These communications were reportedly exchanged between Mr. Maguire and his alleged co-conspirator, Maggie Wang (also known as Maggie Logan), and her associate, migration agent Monica Hao.

“Mr Maguire knows Ms Wang is involved in migration matters,” Mr. Flood stated, indicating that the former MP was aware of the paperwork handled by Ms. Hao. “There is a pattern of them working together over time.”

Evidence Presented to the Court

Throughout the trial, several witnesses testified to receiving cash payments for their involvement or for attending meetings related to the visa scheme. The court also heard that some of the purported employers had never met the visa applicants, nor had they ever employed them.

Mr. Flood argued that Mr. Maguire, given his background as a rural parliamentarian, would have understood during the period in question that visas could not simply be purchased. “Mr Maguire has been told lying to [the Department of] Immigration is part and parcel of the scheme,” he told the jury.

While acknowledging that Mr. Maguire did not personally submit any visa application forms to the government, and that the Crown did not allege the use of cash itself was illegal, Mr. Flood highlighted the clandestine nature of such transactions. “Cash payments are less easily identified,” he noted.

Communications Between Alleged Co-conspirators

Evidence presented also detailed regular communication between Mr. Maguire and Ms. Wang. These exchanges included references to social engagements such as invitations to lunch, visits to NSW Parliament House, a stay at Mr. Maguire’s residence, and a joint visit to the Henty Field Days event in southern NSW.

Defense Arguments

Mr. Maguire’s barrister, Ian McLachlan, provided