NSW Liberals' ICAC inquiry unpacked

Published August 1, 2026 at 6:02 AM UTC

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Key Points

ICAC's Operation Rosny investigates alleged electoral law breaches by NSW Liberal Party figures.
Key individuals under scrutiny include Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, Robert Assaf, and Jean-Claude Perrottet.
The inquiry examines donations from Catholic Schools NSW and Paslibdan Pty Ltd, potentially breaching electoral laws.
Property developer Jean Nassif's alleged donations to influence political outcomes are also under investigation.

Background History

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is a statutory body in New South Wales, Australia, established to investigate and expose corruption within the public sector. Its role includes holding public inquiries to gather evidence on alleged corrupt conduct. The Liberal Party of Australia (NSW Division) is the state branch of the national Liberal Party, a major political party in Australia. The party has faced previous investigations into corruption, including the resignation of former Premier Gladys Berejiklian in 2021 following an ICAC investigation.

The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has initiated a public inquiry into the Liberal Party's activities, focusing on alleged breaches of electoral laws and corruption. This investigation, known as Operation Rosny, commenced on July 27, 2026, and is expected to last eight weeks. The inquiry aims to examine whether Liberal Party figures solicited or accepted political donations from prohibited donors, exceeding legal caps, and used these funds for purposes such as recruiting or renewing party members, a practice known as "branch stacking." Key individuals under scrutiny include Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, Robert Assaf, and Jean-Claude Perrottet. Additionally, the inquiry is investigating whether donations were made by Catholic Schools NSW, arranged by CEO Dallas McInerney, and by the company Paslibdan Pty Ltd, on behalf of hotelier Michael O'Hara, in breach of electoral laws. The inquiry also examines whether property developer Jean Nassif made donations to Liberal Party figures to influence political outcomes, including the removal of former building commissioner David Chandler. The investigation has raised concerns about the integrity of the Liberal Party, especially with the upcoming state election in March 2027. The party has stated that it expects its members to meet high standards and has suspended members named in the allegations during the inquiry. The ICAC's findings could have significant implications for the party's reputation and its prospects in the forthcoming election.

Sources Behind This Story

Independent Commission Against Corruption ICAC to hold public inquiry into allegations involving possible offences under the Electoral Funding Act and other matters Details about the ICAC's Operation Rosny and the public inquiry into alleged electoral law breaches.
The Guardian Australia Political lobbyists, NSW Liberals and a fugitive developer are facing corruption allegations. Here’s what you need to know Overview of the ICAC's investigation into corruption allegations involving the NSW Liberal Party and property developer Jean Nassif.
ABC News NSW Liberals corruption investigation kicks-off. Here's what to expect Information on the commencement of the ICAC's public inquiry into the NSW Liberal Party's alleged corruption.