The NSW corruption watchdog has wrapped up 10 weeks of public hearings into Operation Rosny, its nearly four-year investigation of hard-right Liberal Party operatives, fugitive developer Jean Nassif and several other people of interest, with findings and possible prosecution recommendations now expected in 2027.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption's long-awaited public inquiry into Operation Rosny has concluded, ending a probe that has been gathering force for nearly four years. The hearings examined alleged misconduct by hard-right Liberal Party operatives, fugitive developer Jean Nassif and other key figures.
The final witness, Sharangan Maheswaran, faced questions about schemes he was involved in as a Strathfield councillor and lawyer for Nassif's now-collapsed Toplace development empire. During a discussion about an alleged plot to surveil a political enemy, the Police song "Every Breath You Take" was referenced, capping a day of at-times comical evidence. Related reporting from the hearings has detailed that Nassif's Toplace paid $134,000 for surveillance of the Strathfield mayor.
The inquiry now enters a quieter phase. Over the coming months, counsel assisting the commission, Dr Peggy Dwyer SC, will provide written notice to anyone who may be subject to adverse findings. Lawyers for those accused will then argue their case in confidential written submissions to commissioner Fabian Gleeson SC.
Gleeson will prepare a report covering whether anyone committed corrupt conduct and recommending whether anyone should be prosecuted for criminal offences such as corruption, blackmail or breaches of electoral law. As one assessment of the inquiry put it, those targeted by the watchdog should enjoy the reprieve while they can, with any danger expected to return in 2027.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- People caught up in the inquiry face potential findings of corrupt conduct and recommendations for prosecution on offences including corruption, blackmail and breaches of electoral law.
- The case links hard-right party operatives, a fugitive developer and local government, including an alleged $134,000 surveillance plot against a mayor, raising questions about the intersection of developer money and politics.
- Public hearings have ended, but accountability is still a long way off, with the commissioner's report not expected until 2027.
Background
ICAC is NSW's independent anti-corruption commission, tasked with investigating and exposing corruption in the state's public sector. Operation Rosny has examined allegations involving hard-right Liberal Party operatives, fugitive developer Jean Nassif and others connected to the now-collapsed Toplace group. The public phase ran for 10 weeks and featured evidence about phone taps, surveillance and internal party conduct, with some moments drawing comparisons to entertainment rather than a formal inquiry.
Key Perspectives
Those facing scrutiny: Potential subjects of adverse findings will receive written notice from counsel assisting and can argue their case in confidential submissions before the commissioner decides on findings and any prosecution recommendations.
The commission: Counsel assisting Dr Peggy Dwyer SC will manage the notice and submission process, while commissioner Fabian Gleeson SC will weigh the evidence and produce a report determining whether corrupt conduct occurred and whether criminal charges should follow.
Critics and observers: The nearly four-year build-up and the deferral of outcomes to 2027 mean resolution remains distant. The colourful nature of some evidence, including references to phone taps and surveillance, has also focused attention on the conduct of those involved, while the lengthy timeline raises questions about how swiftly such inquiries can deliver consequences.
What to Watch
- Written notices from counsel assisting to potential subjects of adverse findings in the coming months.
- The confidential written submissions from lawyers for those accused, and how commissioner Fabian Gleeson SC weighs them.
- Release of the commissioner's report in 2027, including any recommendations for prosecution on corruption, blackmail or electoral law charges.