The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has initiated a public inquiry into the New South Wales (NSW) Liberal Party, focusing on alleged improper political donations and factional activities. The investigation, known as Operation Rosny, commenced on July 27, 2026, and is expected to span eight weeks of public hearings.
Central to the inquiry is property developer Jean Nassif, who is alleged to have made donations to Liberal Party figures to influence council decisions favorable to his developments. These donations are purportedly linked to the recruitment and renewal of party memberships, potentially breaching NSW electoral laws. The ICAC is examining whether these donations were declared appropriately and adhered to legal donation caps.
Key figures under scrutiny include Jean-Claude Perrottet, brother of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, and former Liberal staffer Christian Ellis. Both are alleged to have solicited and accepted donations from or on behalf of Nassif. Additionally, hotelier Michael O'Hara has testified that he made a "mistake" in supporting the Liberal faction, acknowledging that key figures involved "obviously went off the track."
The inquiry also extends to Labor councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene, who are under investigation for alleged misconduct involving independent councillor Matthew Blackmore. The ICAC is probing whether they engaged in blackmail or illegal surveillance.
The outcomes of this investigation could have significant implications for the NSW Liberal Party, potentially leading to reforms in party funding and membership practices. The public hearings aim to uncover the extent of any corruption and to uphold the integrity of the state's political processes.