‘We have something that will kill Elliott’: Icac questions former Labor councillor over message

Former Labor councillor Sharangan Maheswaran has testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) in New South Wales, addressing a contentious message he received from lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood. The message, sent to Maheswaran, ominously stated, “We have something that will kill Elliott.” Maheswaran, appearing before the Icac on Friday, vehemently denied that this communication was linked to any political work undertaken by Greenwood’s company, Beckington, for fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. Maheswaran acknowledged having a "common interest" with Greenwood, who is described as a conservative Liberal operative, but insisted that the message concerning David Elliott, a prominent figure within the NSW Liberal Party and a former minister, did not pertain to Nassif's business dealings or any matters related to the developer's extensive portfolio.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) is a statutory body in New South Wales, Australia, established to investigate and expose corruption in public administration. Its inquiries often delve into allegations of bribery, fraud, and misconduct involving politicians, public officials, and private entities. The current investigation appears to be examining the nexus between the property development sector, particularly high-profile developers like Jean Nassif, and political influence within the state. Jean Nassif himself has been a subject of previous Icac investigations, with allegations surrounding planning approvals and potential corrupt practices. The focus on the message to Maheswaran, and its potential implications for David Elliott, suggests the Icac is scrutinizing whether there were attempts to weaponize information or exert undue pressure on political figures through undisclosed channels.

Jeremy Greenwood, through his company Beckington, is known to engage in lobbying activities, a profession that involves advocating for clients' interests, often within the political arena. The property development industry, with its significant financial stakes and reliance on government approvals, is a frequent area of focus for lobbying efforts. Maheswaran's testimony aims to clarify the nature of his interactions with Greenwood, particularly whether the message represented an attempt to leverage sensitive information for political or financial advantage, or to directly influence or damage the reputation of a political opponent. By denying any connection to Jean Nassif's affairs, Maheswaran is attempting to distance himself from any alleged impropriety that might arise from the developer's dealings with political figures or their associates. The Icac's ongoing proceedings are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring accountability within the political and development spheres of New South Wales.