A major Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) public inquiry into alleged links between property developers, Liberal Party figures and local government is set to begin on 29 July, almost four years after allegations were first raised in the NSW Parliament by former Liberal MP Ray Williams.
The inquiry follows allegations made under parliamentary privilege by the former Member for Kellyville in June 2022 concerning preselection processes within the Liberal Party and the influence of property developer Jean Nassif and his company Toplace.
Importantly for Hawkesbury readers, Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston is not named as a subject of the ICAC inquiry, according to the Commission's announcement.
Allegations first raised in Parliament
Speaking in the NSW Legislative Assembly on 21 June 2022, Mr Williams alleged that Liberal Party preselection processes for the 2021 Hills Shire Council election had been manipulated, resulting in the replacement of then-Mayor Michelle Byrne and six sitting Liberal councillors.
Mr Williams further alleged that developer Jean Nassif had sought to influence council decisions through political connections and that senior Liberal Party figures had benefited financially.
Among those referred to in Mr Williams' parliamentary speech was Robyn Preston, who at the time had recently entered State Parliament after previously serving as a Hills Shire councillor.
Using parliamentary privilege, Mr Williams alleged Ms Preston had supported a proposed 20-storey residential development promoted by Toplace and had participated in meetings regarding the proposal.
Because these statements were made under parliamentary privilege, they were protected from defamation laws but were allegations only and not findings of fact.
Premier referred allegations to ICAC
The morning after Mr Williams' speech, then Premier Dominic Perrottet referred the allegations to ICAC.
At the time, Mr Perrottet said he had sought advice from the Department of Premier and Cabinet before making the referral, describing it as the appropriate course of action.
That referral ultimately led to the extensive investigation that has now been confirmed by the Commission.
Public hearings begin this month
ICAC has announced public hearings will commence on 29 July, with witnesses expected to include former Liberal Party officials, councillors, developers and representatives connected with the matters under investigation.
The inquiry is expected to examine allegations concerning political donations, candidate selections, development proposals and decision-making processes involving The Hills Shire Council and associated individuals.
Hawkesbury MP not subject of inquiry
Although Mr Williams referred to Ms Preston during his 2022 parliamentary speech, the ICAC announcement released this week does not identify the Member for Hawkesbury as a subject of the public inquiry.
That distinction is significant.
Being mentioned in parliamentary allegations is different from being investigated by ICAC. The Commission's published inquiry scope identifies the matters and individuals it proposes to examine, and Ms Preston has not been identified as one of those subjects.
Williams says he feels vindicated
Speaking after the inquiry was announced, Mr Williams said he believed the investigation would thoroughly examine the matters he had first raised nearly four years ago.
"People doing the wrong thing have no place in any political party and certainly should play no role in choosing representatives for parliament," he said.
Mr Williams also said he felt relieved the allegations would now receive public examination through the ICAC process.
Why it matters
The inquiry has implications well beyond The Hills district.
Planning decisions, political donations, council governance and candidate selection processes have become issues of increasing public interest across NSW, including in rapidly growing areas on Sydney's north-west fringe.
While the inquiry will focus on specific allegations and evidence presented before the Commission, its findings may influence future reforms to political donations, local government governance and transparency surrounding planning decisions.
As with all ICAC proceedings, the commencement of a public inquiry does not amount to findings of wrongdoing. Those findings, if any, will only be made after the Commission has heard all evidence and completed its investigation.
Timeline
- 21 June 2022: Ray Williams raises allegations under parliamentary privilege in NSW Parliament.
- 22 June 2022: Premier Dominic Perrottet refers the allegations to ICAC.
- 2022–2026: ICAC conducts investigations.
- 29 July 2026: Public hearings scheduled to commence.
This story will be updated as the public inquiry progresses and evidence is presented before the Commission.
