Obeid, Macdonald face misconduct trial

Former NSW ministers Eddie Obeid and Ian Macdonald, who are both behind bars, have been ordered to stand trial over a coal mining exploration licence.

The pair, along with Obeid's son Moses, were due to face the Downing Centre Local Court on Monday, but on Tuesday the trio confirmed they waived their right to a committal hearing.

They are charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office over the issuing of the coal mining exploration licence on Obeid family land at Mount Penny in the Bylong Valley near Mudgee.

In 2013, the Independent Commission Against Corruption found the licence enabled the Obeid family to make $30 million.

On Tuesday, Magistrate Vivien Swain committed them to stand trial, adjourning the case to the District Court for arraignment on June 9.

Eddie Obeid was jailed for three years last December after being found guilty of misconduct in public office relating to lucrative Circular Quay leases.

Macdonald was taken into custody on Friday, ahead of his sentencing this Friday for misconduct in public office over a Hunter Valley coal exploration licence.