NSW Liberal Power Brokers Shift Party Right, Icac Hears 2026

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) has heard that senior politicians in the New South Wales Liberal party supported young power brokers in a bid to shift the party to the right, a revelation that underscores ongoing concerns about political integrity in Australia.

Operation Rosny hearings began on Monday, investigating allegations of corruption against individuals linked to the NSW Liberal party. The inquiry focuses on claims that Liberal figures solicited or accepted donations, including from prohibited donors, in amounts that were undeclared or exceeded caps, to recruit or renew party members—a practice known as branch stacking.

Key Allegations in the Icac Inquiry

Counsel assisting the commission, Peggy Dwyer SC, detailed how a group of young Liberal staffers and lobbyists, calling themselves the “Reformers,” sought to take control of the party. The group included lobbyist Christian Ellis, consultant Robert Assaf, and Jean-Claude Perrottet, younger brother of former Premier Dominic Perrottet.

Dwyer stated that evidence would show senior politicians supported the Reformers by speaking at their events or facilitating recruitment and renewal for branches. The group hosted functions with special guests like former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, broadcaster Alan Jones, and Catholic Schools NSW chief executive Dallas McInerney, focusing on conservative and religious issues.

The Reformers' Mission and Strategy

A document drafted when Ellis worked for federal Nationals senator Matt Canavan outlined the mission: “taking back our nation through good government.” It proposed recruiting 5,000 Christian conservatives to join NSW Liberal party branches, thereby influencing the party’s direction.

This strategy highlights the internal battle for the soul of the NSW Liberal party, with the Reformers aiming to consolidate right-wing influence. The Icac hearings are expected to reveal how donations and membership drives were allegedly manipulated to achieve these goals.

Comparison of Political Donation Rules

To understand the gravity of these allegations, it helps to compare NSW and federal donation rules:

These differences create loopholes that can be exploited, as alleged in this case.

Implications for NSW Liberal Party

The hearings could have significant implications for the party’s leadership and internal dynamics. If the allegations are proven, it may lead to sanctions against individuals and reforms in party processes.

Political analysts suggest this scandal could further erode public trust in political institutions, especially in a year marked by multiple integrity investigations across Australia.

Key Takeaways

• Icac is investigating branch stacking and donation irregularities in the NSW Liberal party.
• The Reformers group aimed to recruit thousands of conservative members to shift the party right.
• Senior politicians allegedly supported these efforts, raising questions about accountability.
• Donation rules differ between state and federal levels, creating potential loopholes.
• Public trust in political parties may suffer as hearings unfold.

What Happens Next?

The Icac hearings are ongoing, with more witnesses expected to testify. The commission will determine whether corruption occurred and may refer findings for prosecution.

For now, the political landscape in NSW remains tense, as both moderate and conservative factions watch closely. The outcome could reshape the party’s future and its electoral prospects.

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