ICAC Questions Former Labor Councillor Over Message on Damaging Liberal Minister
Australia's Independent Commission Against Corruption questioned former Labor councillor Sharangan Maheswaran about a message referencing damage to Liberal minister David Elliott's reputation. Maheswaran denied the message was linked to work for fugitive property developer Jean Nassif.
New South Wales' Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) questioned former Strathfield Labor councillor Sharangan Maheswaran on Friday over a February 2020 message from lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood stating: "We have something that will kill Elliott" — a reference to former NSW Liberal minister David Elliott, who had opposed developments by property company Toplace.
Maheswaran acknowledged sharing a "common interest" with Greenwood regarding internal Liberal party faction disputes, but denied the message related to work by Greenwood's company Beckington on behalf of property developer Jean Nassif. Icac is examining whether Liberal figures Greenwood, Charles Perrottet and Christian Ellis anticipated receiving $2m in prohibited donations from Nassif in exchange for political outcomes, including damaging Elliott's career.
Ties to the Nassif family
Maheswaran, a former lawyer for Nassif who became a Toplace executive in September 2020, said he came to know the developer through his daughter Ashlyn Nassif. She was recently sentenced to a six-month community corrections order after pleading guilty to providing false information to obtain a $150m construction loan from Westpac.
The inquiry heard Maheswaran was paid $1.4m by Toplace between 2020 and 2023, but had not disclosed his close association with the developer when nominating for council in 2021, which the inquiry's counsel said was legally required.
Icac is also investigating whether Maheswaran and fellow councillor Karen Pensabene acted dishonestly toward former mayor Matthew Blackmore, potentially involving blackmail. Maheswaran denies any wrongdoing. The inquiry continues.
