The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has initiated a public inquiry into allegations of corruption involving the Liberal Party of Australia (NSW Division). The investigation, known as Operation Rosny, commenced on July 27, 2026, and is expected to run for eight weeks. It focuses on potential breaches of the Electoral Funding Act and other related matters.
The inquiry examines several key allegations:
1. Between 2019 and 2023, individuals including Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, Robert Assaf, and Jean-Claude Perrottet are accused of soliciting or accepting political donations from prohibited donors. These donations were allegedly undeclared, exceeded legal caps, and were intended for purposes such as recruiting or renewing members to the Liberal Party.
2. Political donations, also undeclared and exceeding applicable caps, were reportedly made by Catholic Schools New South Wales. These payments were arranged and approved by its CEO, Dallas McInerney, for similar purposes.
3. Between 2020 and 2023, property developer Jean Nassif and his company, Toplace, are alleged to have made donations to Liberal Party figures, including Ellis, Greenwood, and Charles Perrottet. In exchange, they sought favorable outcomes, such as the removal of former Liberal state transport minister David Elliott and the building commissioner, David Chandler, to benefit Nassif's developments.
4. Allegations also involve two Labor Strathfield councillors, Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene, who are under investigation for potential misconduct, including blackmail and breaches of the Surveillance Devices Act.
The inquiry has already led to significant developments. Hotelier Michael O'Hara, a key figure in the alleged donations, testified that he ceased funding the NSW Liberal 'Reformers' group after concluding that leaders like Scott Morrison and Dominic Perrottet had 'gone woke.' O'Hara acknowledged his mistake in supporting the group and expressed disgust over the scheme.
The ICAC's investigation is ongoing, with public hearings scheduled throughout August 2026. The outcomes of this inquiry could have substantial implications for the NSW Liberal Party, its members, and the broader political landscape in New South Wales.