Damien Tudehope admits to leaking confidential report during ICAC hearing

NSW Liberal leader in the upper house, Damien Tudehope, has admitted to leaking a confidential draft parliamentary report to a member of a conservative faction currently under investigation by the state’s corruption watchdog. The admission occurred during his appearance at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) as part of Operation Rosny, an inquiry examining allegations of illicit political donations and branch-stacking within the Liberal Party. Tudehope, who had previously stepped aside from his shadow cabinet roles, was questioned about his handling of a 2023 parliamentary inquiry report. When presented with an email showing he had sent the confidential draft to Jeremy Greenwood, a key figure in the group known as the Reformers, Tudehope acknowledged that he had done so. While Tudehope is not currently named as a person of interest in the corruption allegations, the revelation of the leak has raised significant questions regarding his adherence to parliamentary protocols. The inquiry has previously heard that key members of the Reformers, including the younger brother of former premier Dominic Perrottet, had sought to avoid appearing before the earlier parliamentary probe. Tudehope’s testimony also touched upon his awareness of the whereabouts of individuals involved in the inquiry, including discussions with the former premier. As the ICAC continues its investigation, the focus remains on whether these actions constitute a breach of parliamentary privilege or broader corrupt conduct. The public and political fallout from these proceedings continues to unfold, with further witnesses expected to provide evidence in the coming days.