NSW corruption hearings: Developer's $100,000 offer and alleged plot to oust premier revealed

A sweeping public inquiry in New South Wales, Australia, codenamed Operation Rosny, is delving into the intricate relationship between a fugitive property developer, Liberal Party operatives, and alleged breaches of electoral laws. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is examining evidence over an eight-week period, with significant moments already emerging.

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I don't know what he's talking about … It's clear it makes no sense.

The inquiry's most startling revelations have come from intercepted phone calls. In one recording, fugitive developer Jean Nassif is heard offering $100,000 to support the Liberal preselection of one of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet's brothers. The conversation, with Jean-Claude Perrottet, suggested the funds could be directed towards a Perrottet brother or Liberal lobbyists Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis. Dominic Perrottet, who referred the allegations to ICAC in 2022, is not accused of any wrongdoing.

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They're leading the fight now against your brother. They want to destroy his image. He's a Christian. He's an evil man.

Further recordings suggest Nassif claimed he was being targeted by former building commissioner David Chandler. Nassif also alleged that former minister David Elliott was working with then-Hornsby MP Matt Kean in an effort to replace Dominic Perrottet as premier. Nassif's comments included disparaging remarks about Perrottet, stating, "They want to destroy his image. He's a Christian. He's an evil man." Jean-Claude Perrottet responded, "Yeah, I know. I didn't know it was a crime to be Christian these days."

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Yeah, I know. I didn't know it was a crime to be Christian these days.

The ICAC is investigating potential involvement by a third Perrottet brother, Charles, and others in alleged branch-stacking activities funded by Nassif or his company. During discussions about factional issues, Jean-Claude Perrottet indicated that assistance in the Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills areas "would be awesome." Another tapped call revealed Nassif's awareness of an impending cabinet reshuffle, with him stating, "I'm gonna step on his neck and strip him from his job. Just give me two months, because the consumer affairs minister, she's gonna be my girl, and the fair-trading minister, she's gonna be one of my girls too."

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Help in that area would be awesome.