Obeid misconduct trial continues in Sydney

The misconduct trial of former NSW MP Eddie Obeid is set to continue in the Supreme Court with further evidence from a former senior bureaucrat.

Former NSW bureaucrat Christopher Oxenbould is expected to continue giving evidence over the handling of Circular Quay leases that deliver favourable outcomes to Eddie Obeid.

Prosecutors have alleged that between August and November 2007, while serving as an upper house MP, Obeid lobbied a senior bureaucrat to secure a "favourable outcome" over the Circular Quay leases without divulging that two of the businesses belonged to his family.

The former NSW Labor MP is standing trial at the NSW Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to wilful misconduct in public office.

The crown has argued his actions were a grave breach of duty as a parliamentarian which warrant criminal punishment.

Former Maritime Authority chief executive Mr Oxenbould is expected to continue giving evidence at the trial on Friday, a day after telling the court it was always made clear the leases were five-year agreements with no option of renewal.

The NSW Maritime Authority was determined to have the Circular Quay leases put out to tender as soon as they expired in August 2005, the court heard on Thursday.

"The ads were ready to go. They were booked. We were deferring the ads on a week-to-week basis," Mr Oxenbould told the court.


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Source: AAP



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