MP wants corrupt Obeid's medal stripped

NSW Liberal backbencher Gareth Ward wants Order of Australia medal stripped from corrupt ex-Labor power broker Eddie Obeid.

Former Labor power broker Eddie Obeid

A NSW Liberal backbencher wants the Order of Australia medal stripped from ex-MP Eddie Obeid (pic). (AAP)

NSW deputy government whip Gareth Ward has urged the Governor-General to take back the Order of Australia medal awarded to corrupt Labor power broken Eddie Obeid in 1984.

The Liberal MP for Kiama has written to Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove requesting the high honour to be stripped from Mr Obeid after the state's corruption watchdog this year found he acted corruptly by using his political position to benefit his family.

"I write to request that you withdraw the Order of Australia Medal from Edward Moses Obeid," Mr Ward wrote in the letter dated September 26.

"Indeed, it is my view that whilst Mr Obeid continues to hold the OAM, his membership of the Order diminishes the high regard in which Australians rightfully hold such honours.

"Any person found to have acted corruptly by the ICAC has demonstrated their lack of regard for public institutions.

"It is highly inappropriate for any such persons to remain a member of an Order which rightly prides itself on service about self."

The Independent Commission Against Corruption finding was made in June, when the watchdog also advised the Director of Public Prosecutions offices to consider pursuing criminal charges against Mr Obeid for misconduct in public office.

The DDP hasn't yet made a final decision.

Three people have been stripped of the Order of Australia honour in the past.

They include corrupt former Western Australia premier Brian Burke, fraudulent businessman Alan Bond, and former judge Federal Court justice Marcus Einfeld - all of whom have served jail time.

Announced on Australia Day and approved by the Governor-General on behalf of the Queen, the Medal of the Order Australia recognise great individual achievement and service to Australia.

Comment is being sought from Mr Obeid, Mr Ward and the Governor-General's office.


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