This week's hearings at New South Wales' anti-corruption body have unveiled a series of troubling revelations, highlighting serious allegations against political figures involved in questionable financial dealings.

As Operation Rosny approaches its midpoint, the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is scrutinizing claims related to illicit political donations. Central to these allegations are connections to fugitive real estate developer Jean Nassif, who is purported to have exerted influence on political and governmental decisions.

Here’s a summary of the week’s developments and what can be anticipated in the coming sessions.

Exasperation in the Witness Box

Lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood found himself on the stand for three long days, and it’s clear this won’t be his last appearance. His testimony was riddled with evasiveness, often leading to frustration for counsel assisting. The frequency of his responses, "I don't know" and "I can’t recall," suggested an unwillingness—or an inability—to engage meaningfully with the evidence presented.

At one point, Greenwood even claimed he couldn’t remember details from a call he had just made earlier that day, which raises questions about his credibility.

In several tense moments, Greenwood exhibited frustration, even snapping at someone off the stand, telling them, "Don't give me that look." This outburst drew a reprimand from Commissioner Fabian Gleeson SC, who reminded him to stay composed and courteous while responding to inquiries.

Moreover, he was confronted over a controversial text he sent to fellow lobbyist Jean-Claude Perrottet, where he mentioned “filthy schools money” and suggested he was fed up with “f***ing whinging.” Greenwood dismissed it as a bad joke between friends, attempting to downplay its significance.

However, Counsel Assisting Peggy Dwyer SC pressed him on the implication of “filthy schools money,” which refers to allegations that funds from Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) were being diverted into political party activities.

Despite receiving substantial payments of $6,000 a month from CSNSW while working through his lobbying firm, Beckington, Greenwood astonishingly claimed he couldn’t recall the firm’s contributions to their client McInerney.

The investigation has revealed that Greenwood and a partner allegedly used their firm to issue deceptive invoices masquerading as political donations, further complicating the case.

Financial Support Under Scrutiny

Dallas McInerney took the witness stand for two days this week, also central to the inquiry. He stepped down from his position after being implicated in the investigation, which has raised questions about his dealings with prominent political figures, including federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.

Evidence has surfaced that McInerney attempted to secure a significant payment of $10,000 from Taylor, as per a text to NSW Reformers co-founder Robert Assaf in which McInerney stated, "I want to shake down Angus for 10k."

In addition, a text from former Liberal staffer Dylan Whitelaw alleged that McInerney secured $15,000 from Taylor, along with ongoing monthly donations of $3,000 linked to the activities of the NSW Reformers group, although McInerney denied any wrongdoing. He claimed the funds were intended solely to support internal elections within the NSW Liberal Party and not for any illegal political maneuvering.

Taylor’s representatives have denied any payments made and he is not accused of any wrongdoing within the inquiry.

The Inquiry Advances

Anticipation grows as Mr. McInerney is set to return to the stand next Wednesday, followed closely by former Liberal Minister David Elliott, who is expected to provide his own testimony.

The ICAC will continue investigating potential impropriety surrounding donations linked to Jean Nassif and whether they were exchanged for political favors—allegations that threaten to further complicate the ongoing inquiries.

Previously, it was revealed that operatives within the NSW Liberal Party had compiled a “David Elliott shit sheet,” a dossier containing damaging allegations meant to undermine Elliott's political career.

Testimony has also included claims that Greenwood and his former partner reportedly possessed photographs of Elliott purportedly involved in an extramarital affair, although Elliott has dismissed these claims as false. Greenwood stated he requested these materials to protect his business interests rather than target Elliott politically, raising further questions about his true intentions throughout the hearings.

Elliott himself has expressed a desire to share his perspective, having previously indicated to Nine Newspapers that he looks forward to making his own observations known.

As the inquiry heats up, Shadow Jobs and Industry Minister Eleni Petinos is expected to take her turn in the spotlight next week, while her name has not emerged in any wrongdoing related to the case. Notably, intercepted conversations earlier revealed that fugitive developer Jean Nassif believed Petinos would assume a key cabinet role soon, showcasing the intertwining interests within this ongoing political drama.

This unravelling saga not only highlights shocking allegations of corruption but also draws back the curtain on the murky connections between lobbying, political funding, and influence in government decision-making.