A former western Sydney councillor has denied that messages discussing efforts to “kill” a state minister were connected to political work for a fugitive property developer, as a major corruption inquiry continues to examine alleged illegal donations and political intimidation.
Sharangan Maheswaran, a onetime Labor councillor for Strathfield, appeared before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) this week amid allegations that he received communications from lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood referencing damaging Liberal MP David Elliott. The inquiry is probing whether Greenwood, along with former NSW Premier Morris Iemma’s nephew Christian Ellis and Liberal powerbroker Charles Perrottet, expected $2 million in prohibited political donations from property developer Jean Nassif in return for favourable political outcomes.
Messages and Denials
During proceedings, ICAC counsel Scott Dwyer presented a February 2020 text message sent by Greenwood to Maheswaran which allegedly read: “We have something that will kill Elliott.” In response, Maheswaran reportedly wrote back, suggesting that news coverage of federal MP Alex Hawke might soon dominate headlines due to Labor’s proposed developer donation ban.
Under cross-examination, Maheswaran acknowledged having a “common interest” with Greenwood regarding internal factional dynamics within the Liberal Party but firmly rejected assertions that his communications were tied to any work undertaken on behalf of Nassif’s firm Beckington. He insisted that Nassif had never explicitly told him that Elliott opposed his developments during planning processes.
Professional Ties and Financial Disclosures
The commission also explored Maheswaran’s professional relationship with Nassif, whom he served as a legal representative before joining Toplace — the developer’s company — as an executive in September 2020. Between 2020 and 2023, Maheswaran received $1.4 million from Toplace via contracts routed through his own company, Anwalt Pty Ltd.
When questioned about whether he disclosed his close ties to a property developer upon nominating for local council in 2021 — a requirement under electoral law — Maheswaran admitted he did not. Counsel Dwyer highlighted this omission as potentially unlawful, raising concerns over transparency and conflicts of interest in public office.
Broader Investigation Into Political Corruption
This hearing forms part of a wider investigation into allegations surrounding improper political donations linked to Toplace and its associates. Central to the case is the claim that Nassif sought to influence political outcomes, including attempts to undermine Elliott’s standing, following the minister’s opposition to certain development projects.
Also implicated are Maheswaran’s former colleagues at Strathfield Council, particularly Karen Pensabene, who was excused from proceedings last week due to health reasons. Authorities are investigating whether both individuals engaged in conduct involving dishonesty or abuse of power, possibly even blackmail, in relation to former mayor Matthew Blackmore.
Why it Matters
The ICAC’s findings could expose systemic vulnerabilities in how political donations influence policy decisions across New South Wales, particularly where developers seek leverage through informal networks and intermediaries. Should evidence emerge confirming coordination between lobbyists, elected officials, and property magnates, it may prompt urgent reforms to electoral funding laws and stricter oversight mechanisms. For voters, the outcome underscores the critical importance of transparency in political financing and the role of watchdog bodies like ICAC in safeguarding democratic integrity. As public trust hangs in the balance, the results of this inquiry carry far-reaching implications not only for those directly involved but for the broader perception of accountability in Australian politics.
