ICAC probe fuels anxiety for Angus Taylor and anger among NSW Liberal rivals

Operation Rosny, the ICAC inquiry into suspected corruption in the NSW Liberal Party, has spotlighted Angus Taylor as the most prominent figure mentioned, though he is not formally accused. Evidence presented includes messages indicating that Dallas McInerney, then chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, discussed extracting a $10,000 payment from Taylor in 2021, and later references to a $15,000 contribution and a $3,000 monthly donation.

Taylor has repeatedly stated that no payment was made but has offered no detailed clarification, prompting unease among his colleagues and calls for a more comprehensive response from Labor treasurer Jim Chalmers. The Reformers, a faction seeking to dominate the party, have also been linked to other donations and lobbying activities, intensifying anger among Taylor’s factional rivals. Witnesses such as Robert Assaf were uncertain about Taylor’s knowledge of the group’s actions, while the investigation continues for over seven weeks, leaving the leader’s political future in doubt.