As reported by Channel 7 News, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is set to be referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) following a parliamentary inquiry into the contentious plan to redevelop Rosehill Racecourse into a housing precinct.
At the heart of the controversy is an alleged conflict of interest involving Premier Minns’ long-standing friendship, over 20 years, with Australian Turf Club (ATC) Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Steve McMahon. The inquiry has revealed claims that the project was fast-tracked after an informal meeting between the two, bypassing formal processes and raising concerns about transparency.
Channel 7 News indicate that the parliamentary committee has voted to refer Minns’ conduct to ICAC, citing concerns about his potential failure to declare a conflict of interest. It showed the vote was supported by all committee members aside from the three Labor ministers.
Steve McMahon | Image courtesy of the Australian Turf Club
The committee’s decision is likely underscored by comparisons to ICAC's Operation Keppel, which investigated former Premier Gladys Berejiklian for not disclosing her personal relationship with disgraced MP Daryl Maguire. Similarities are being drawn between Berejiklian’s case and Minns’ connection to McMahon, described as a “close friendship of many years.”
While the parliamentary committee may resolve to refer the matter to ICAC, it is not yet known whether the corruption watchdog will pursue an investigation. ICAC’s Chief Commissioner has declined to confirm or deny the watchdog’s interest in the matter, and he stated in August, “I’m not going to tell you what matters we are looking at and what matters we’re not looking at.”
Whether ICAC chooses to investigate will depend on the evidence outlined in the inquiry’s final report, which is set to be released this Friday morning.
The report could include recommendations with far-reaching consequences for the governance of racing in New South Wales. The findings may influence not only the future of the Rosehill redevelopment but also broader governance and regulatory frameworks within the industry.
This news marks another major blow to the Rosehill sale proposal, following the election of key opponents to the Australian Turf Club board. Annette English, endorsed by the Save Rosehill group, campaigned on safeguarding the cultural and Tim Hale, who challenged the redevelopment’s valuation estimates in the inquiry. Their election underscores the growing opposition that could spell the end for the controversial project.
