The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is preparing to launch a public inquiry as part of Operation Rosny into allegations of illegal political donations and branch stacking involving the New South Wales Liberal Party. Central to the investigation are claims concerning property developer Jean Nassif, currently a fugitive, and Dallas McInerney, the chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW.

The inquiry is set to examine whether Nassif, who is subject to an arrest warrant over criminal activities, made unlawful donations to the Liberal Party in return for influencing political outcomes. Among the allegations is that donations were used to undermine the political career of former NSW minister David Elliott and to facilitate the removal of David Chandler, the former state building commissioner. Nassif's property development company, Toplace, which has delivered thousands of residential and commercial projects in Sydney, has been at the centre of scrutiny following revelations of structural defects, loss of its building licence, and a 10-year ban on Nassif from holding such licences.

In a surprising development to some within the party, McInerney's role is under investigation regarding donations made by Catholic Schools NSW, purportedly arranged or approved by him. It is alleged these donations were channelled toward Liberal Party branch stacking through the recruitment or renewal of party members. One line of inquiry involves whether public funding intended for Catholic schools was indirectly redirected as political contributions. McInerney resigned recently from his position on the NSW Education Standards Authority board amid the allegations.

ICAC will also investigate several Liberal Party figures, including Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, Robert Assaf, and Jean-Claude Perrottet—brother of former premier Dominic Perrottet—on allegations they solicited or accepted donations, some from prohibited donors, over a period spanning 2019 to 2023. Additional scrutiny is on Charles Perrottet, another brother of the former premier, and his potential role in soliciting or accepting donations from Nassif and others. Some of these donations are alleged to have been linked to efforts to influence internal party dynamics and political appointments.

The inquiry will also probe claims involving Paslibdan Pty Ltd, associated with Michael O’Hara, a prohibited donor and former business partner of Liberal MP Damien Tudehope, regarding illegal donations related to branch stacking.

The investigation comes amid broader concerns about the influence of private donations on political processes in NSW. While the Liberal Party anticipates significant fallout from the inquiry, no party members have been formally charged at this stage. Labor figures have referenced aspects of the investigation in political discourse, highlighting the ongoing significance of the probe.

Jean Nassif’s high-profile legal troubles began after legal authorities uncovered building defects and financial irregularities tied to his development projects, leading to the revocation of his company’s building licence and a subsequent flight overseas. His daughter, Ashlyn Nassif, was arrested and charged with fraud related to securing a substantial bank loan, with allegations of her father’s involvement also noted.

The forthcoming public hearing by ICAC is expected to shed further light on these complex allegations, testing the integrity of political funding and branch stacking practices within the NSW Liberal Party and associated organisations.