Chris Minns, the NSW Labor premier, has been quietly taking out the trash during the Icac hearings into the Liberal party, despite his public pledge not to gloat. As the corruption watchdog’s Operation Rosny unfolds, the Labor government has strategically released key documents that could damage the election hopes of the opposition.
Minns’s High Ground vs. Behind-the-Scenes Moves
During the first week of hearings, Minns told reporters, “There’ll be no gloating or taking political advantage.” Yet, in the second week, the government dropped three contentious documents, burying them amid damaging revelations. This has led to accusations of quietly undermining the Liberals while maintaining a facade of impartiality.
Strategic Document Drops
The first document was the long-awaited Sackar review into hate speech laws, tabled by Attorney General Michael Daley during an Icac appearance by Liberal upper house leader Damien Tudehope. The government had previously argued the review was “cabinet in confidence,” but its release now seems timed to distract from Tudehope’s evidence.
Second, the government also released other sensitive materials that could embarrass key Liberal figures. These moves have been described as “taking out the trash” by political observers, as they occur while the Icac hearings dominate media coverage.
Impact on the Liberal Party
The timing of these releases is critical. Liberal leader Kellie Sloane was not an MP during the alleged wrongdoing, but the fallout could still affect her party’s election prospects. The hearings have already exposed internal divisions and questionable activities, and the document drops add further pressure.
Comparing Labor’s Approach
| Aspect | Minns’s Public Stance | Behind-the-Scenes Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Rhetoric | No gloating, respect for process | Strategic timing of document releases |
| Political Impact | Claims of neutrality | Undermining opposition credibility |
| Public Perception | High ground | Opportunistic maneuvering |
Key Takeaways
- Minns has avoided direct attacks but has not shied from leveraging the Icac hearings.
- The release of the Sackar review and other documents was timed to coincide with damaging testimony.
- These moves could significantly affect the NSW Liberal party’s election chances.
- The Icac process is intended to clean up politics, but political tactics still play a role.
FAQ
What is Operation Rosny?
Operation Rosny is an Icac investigation into allegations of corruption involving people associated with the NSW Liberal party. It involves hearings that are expected to last at least eight weeks.
Why did Minns say he wouldn’t gloat?
Minns stated he would not gloat to maintain the integrity of the Icac process and avoid appearing to politicize the hearings. However, his government’s actions have been seen as politically motivated.
What documents were released during the hearings?
The government released the Sackar review into hate speech laws and other contentious documents, which were previously withheld, during the Icac hearings, potentially overshadowing the Liberal party’s testimony.
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