The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption has concluded the public hearings of Operation Rosny, an investigation into allegations involving people associated with the Liberal Party of Australia (NSW Division), political donations and efforts to recruit or renew party members.
ICAC says the investigation concerns allegations that people including Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, Robert Assaf and Jean-Claude Perrottet solicited or accepted political donations, including from prohibited donors, in amounts that were not declared or exceeded applicable caps, for purposes that included recruiting or renewing Liberal Party members.
The inquiry examined the activities of a group known as the Reformers, which sought to recruit conservative members and increase its influence within the NSW Liberal Party. ABC reported that the group had recruited about 1,200 people to the NSW Liberal Party by 2020 and secured representation on the party’s state executive.
Public hearings also examined the group’s links with property developer Jean Nassif and other figures. ICAC’s published allegations include questions about whether money was provided in connection with political recruitment, Liberal Party preselection and other political outcomes. The allegations remain matters under investigation.
Evidence presented during the hearings included messages between people connected to the Reformers, as well as evidence concerning payments and consulting arrangements. Several people who appeared before the commission denied wrongdoing or disputed the characterisation of payments and relationships described during the inquiry.
ICAC’s public hearing has now concluded. The commission says the purpose of the inquiry was to gather evidence relevant to the allegations and determine matters within its statutory functions. A conclusion of the public hearings does not itself establish that any person committed corruption or an electoral offence.
The commission is continuing its work on Operation Rosny, with transcripts, exhibits and submissions available through its official inquiry materials.
