Main Player in NSW Corruption Probe Likely Absent

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has launched an extensive eight-week public inquiry, Operation Rosny, focusing on alleged breaches of electoral laws. The investigation centers on the relationships between a fugitive property developer, Liberal Party operatives, and potential illegal campaign financing.

Several prominent figures have been named, including Jean-Claude and Charles Perrottet, brothers of former Liberal Premier Dominic Perrottet, and Dallas McInerney, chief executive officer of Catholic Schools NSW, who has stepped aside pending the inquiry. While Dominic Perrottet himself is not accused of wrongdoing, the probe casts a shadow over the NSW Liberal Party.

Former ICAC assistant commissioner Anthony Whealy KC described the investigation as "quite serious," involving potential transgressions of electoral laws, conflicts of interest, deceitful arrangements, and greed. The first week of public hearings will feature opening statements from Counsel Assisting Peggy Dwyer SC, followed by testimony from hotelier Michael O'Hara. O'Hara is expected to be questioned about allegations that his company, Paslibdan Pty Ltd, made illegal donations to recruit and renew Liberal Party memberships.

Further witnesses scheduled for the first week include former Liberal staffer Dylan Whitelaw, who is expected to provide evidence over two days. Whitelaw previously worked for a lobbying firm founded by Christian Ellis and Jeremy Greenwood, who are also named as people of interest. The inquiry alleges that Ellis and Greenwood, among others, solicited and accepted improper donations, including from prohibited donors, to aid in Liberal Party membership drives. The week will conclude with testimony from Robert Assaf, also alleged to have solicited or accepted improper donations for party recruitment.

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It's going to involve conflicts of interest, exploring those conflicts of interest. It's going to involve looking and unravelling deceitful arrangements and it's going to look at greed and human endeavour that assists greed. So it's got everything really, and that's what we've come to expect from a very effective ICAC.