Stronger powers to confiscate proceeds of crime have been introduced by the NSW government as it moves on money made by the corrupt dealing of former Labor ministers Eddie Obeid and Ian Macdonald.
Millions of dollars were denied to NSW by the corruption of Mr Obeid and Mr Macdonald in relation to "tainted" mining leases at Doyles Creek, Mt Penny and Glendon Brook, NSW premier Barry O'Farrell told parliament on Tuesday.
"This legislation will assist the Crime Commission to take action to ensure that ill-gotten proceeds can be recovered not only from those personally involved in criminal conduct but also others, including their family members and associates, whom they were seeking to benefit," he said.
"Legislation is also being introduced today to ensure that in the future disreputable people are not granted mining licences."
The resources minister will be able to cancel or refuse the granting or renewal of a mining licence if the applicant is considered `not a fit and proper person'.
