Liberal operative was offered $1,000 to get media to cover ‘grubby rumour’ rival was having affair, Icac hears
An Australian Liberal operative was allegedly offered $1,000 by a property developer's lawyer to get media to cover an unsubstantiated rumor about a rival minister's extramarital affair and Covid breach, according to an Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) hearing. The operative claimed the offer was 'not serious' despite a message stating otherwise.
Why it matters
This article exposes alleged corruption and unethical practices within Australian politics and business, highlighting attempts to manipulate media and political outcomes through smear campaigns and illegal donations.
Sharangan Maheswaran was shown a message to Liberal lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood in which he wrote he was ‘not joking’ about the offer. Photograph: ICAC Sharangan Maheswaran was shown a message to Liberal lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood in which he wrote he was ‘not joking’ about the offer. Photograph: ICAC Independent Commission Against Corruption Liberal operative was offered $1,000 to get media to cover ‘grubby rumour’ rival was having affair, Icac hears Sharangan Maheswaran says his bid for story on unsubstantiated rumour about then-Liberal minister David Elliott was ‘not a serious offer’
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