The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption is examining whether Catholic Schools NSW engaged in a secret agreement to hire contractors linked to the Liberal Party. This inquiry, known as Operation Rosny, is investigating allegations that the organization's chief executive, Dallas McInerney, arranged for undeclared political donations that exceeded legal limits. The commission is looking into whether these payments were used to fund branch-stacking activities, which involve recruiting or renewing party members to influence internal political outcomes.
Operation Rosny centers on allegations that occurred between 2019 and 2023. Beyond the Catholic Schools NSW connection, the probe involves several high-profile figures, including property developer Jean Nassif, hotelier Michael O'Hara, and various Liberal Party powerbrokers. Among those named in the commission's statement are Jean-Claude and Charles Perrottet, brothers of the former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet. The investigation is set to hold eight weeks of public hearings starting on July 27, 2026.
In response to the allegations, Dallas McInerney has temporarily stepped aside from his role as chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW. The organization has stated that it respects the role of the commission and is committed to addressing the issues raised in a thorough manner. The inquiry is expected to be a significant test for the Liberal Party, as it probes whether prohibited donations were used to manipulate pre-selection processes and influence public policy.
As the public hearings approach, the focus remains on the integrity of political funding in New South Wales. The commission is tasked with determining whether the alleged schemes were designed to circumvent the Electoral Funding Act 2018. The outcome of this investigation could have lasting implications for the political landscape in the state, particularly as parties prepare for future electoral cycles.