A former Labor councillor has dismissed claims that a threatening message about damaging a New South Wales Liberal minister’s reputation was linked to lobbying work for a fugitive property developer. During testimony before the state’s anti-corruption watchdog, the individual denied any connection between the message—allegedly sent by a conservative operative—and political work for the developer. The inquiry heard that the former councillor acknowledged a "common interest" with the lobbyist but insisted the communication was unrelated to the developer’s case. The exchange raises further scrutiny over the interactions between political operatives and high-profile corruption investigations.
Sharangan Maheswaran denies message he received about NSW minister was related to work for fugitive property developerFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastA former Labor councillor says he had a “common interest” with a conservative Liberal operative, but denied that a message he received about damaging the reputation of NSW Liberal minister David Elliott was related to political work for a fugitive property developer, an inquiry has heard.Sharangan Maheswaran told the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) on Friday that a message sent to him by lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood claiming “We have something that will kill Elliott” did not relate to work by Greenwood’s company Beckington for Jean Nassif.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here Continue reading...
