Key facts
- ICAC's Operation Rosny, investigating political donations and alleged blackmail, has concluded its public hearings.
- The inquiry focused on allegations that senior NSW Liberal figures accepted $2 million in donations from property developer Jean Nassif.
- These donations were allegedly to support the branch-stacking efforts of a conservative Christian faction known as the Reformers.
- The Reformers aimed to recruit 5,000 members to control the NSW Liberal party and influence policy on abortion, euthanasia, marriage equality, and climate change.
- Allegations also included attempts to damage the careers of former Liberal minister David Elliott and building commissioner David Chandler.
- Developer Jean Nassif appeared via video link from Beirut, denying corruption allegations and claiming he feared "mafia boys".
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Sydney has concluded the public hearings for Operation Rosny, an inquiry that spanned 10 weeks and investigated allegations of political donations, branch stacking, and blackmail within the NSW Liberal party. Counsel assisting the inquiry, Peggy Dwyer SC, detailed complex allegations, including that senior Liberal figures accepted $2 million in donations from property developer Jean Nassif to support the Reformers faction's efforts to control the NSW Liberal party and influence policy.
The inquiry also examined claims that these donations were intended to damage the careers of former Liberal minister David Elliott and building commissioner David Chandler. Some individuals named in the allegations argued that payments for factional work did not constitute political donations, or that they were for legitimate lobbying.
Jean Nassif, a central figure in the allegations, appeared via video link from his Beirut bedroom, denying corruption claims and expressing fears of "mafia boys." Anthony Whealy KC, chair of the Centre for Public Integrity, described Nassif's appearance as "theatre of the absurd" and suggested most of his evidence would not be accepted by the commission.
While the inquiry did not result in major resignations, as some observers had anticipated, Whealy stated that its success would be measured by definitive rulings on political donations and the transparency of the public process. The inquiry also touched upon broader political dynamics, including the rise of the conservative right within the NSW Liberal party and the role of branch stacking, which is not itself illegal but can influence candidate selection and policy.
Consequences have emerged for some individuals tangentially involved. Dallas McInerney lost his job as chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW after admitting to wiping his iPhone. Damien Tudehope has been referred to the parliamentary privileges committee for allegedly leaking a confidential draft report. Charles Perrottet, head of strategy at BP, took a leave of absence. Former premier Dominic Perrottet, whose name was frequently mentioned in relation to Nassif, was explicitly stated by the presiding commissioner not to be a person of interest.