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Memory lapses, fake invoices and a reprimand: Key moments from ICAC

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A corruption watchdog in New South Wales, Australia, is investigating allegations of illegal political donations and attempts to influence political outcomes.
  • Key moments from the inquiry included a lobbyist's repeated claims of not remembering events and a tense exchange that led to a reprimand from the commissioner.
  • The investigation, Operation Rosny, is examining whether funds were improperly channeled into political recruitment and involved

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in New South Wales is nearing the halfway point of its Operation Rosny investigation into alleged illegal political donations and influence peddling. The inquiry has focused on allegations involving fugitive property developer Jean Nassif and his associates' attempts to sway political and government decisions.

Don't give me that look.

โ€” Jeremy GreenwoodAn outburst from lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood during his testimony at the ICAC hearing.

This past week saw lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood spend three days in the witness box, frequently responding with "I don't know" and "I don't recall" when questioned about crucial events and conversations. His evasiveness led to tense exchanges, including an outburst directed at someone in the room, which earned him a scolding from Commissioner Fabian Gleeson SC for a lack of respectful conduct.

I don't know

โ€” Jeremy GreenwoodRepeated answer by lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood when questioned about key events during his ICAC testimony.

Greenwood also faced scrutiny over a text message where he referred to "filthy schools money" and complained about "f***ing whinging." He dismissed it as a "stupid joke," but counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC suggested it referred to funds from Catholic Schools NSW allegedly being funneled into Liberal Party recruitment. The commission also heard that Greenwood's firm, Beckington, allegedly issued "sham" invoices to disguise prohibited political donations.

I don't recall

โ€” Jeremy GreenwoodRepeated answer by lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood when questioned about key events during his ICAC testimony.

Dallas McInerney, a key figure and former CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, also testified. He was questioned about his dealings with federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, who was previously named in the probe. Messages revealed earlier showed McInerney stating his intention to "shake down Angus for 10k." McInerney is due to return to the witness box next week.

stupid joke

โ€” Jeremy GreenwoodLobbyist Jeremy Greenwood's explanation for a text message referring to "filthy schools money."
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.