Chris Minns labels move to refer him to ICAC over Rosehill Racecourse redevelopment a stunt

Chris Minns has accused Liberal MPs – and the Greens – of ‘dancing to the tune of Mark Latham’ in using a parliamentary inquiry into the sale of Rosehill Racecourse to ‘politicise’ the corruption watchdog.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has refused to say whether his own MPs should have used a parliamentary inquiry to refer the Premier to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Premier Chris Minns has accused Liberal MPs – and the Greens – of “dancing to the tune of Mark Latham” in using a parliamentary inquiry into the sale of Rosehill Racecourse to “politicise” the corruption watchdog, after details of the inquiry’s report were leaked.

The Daily Telegraph understands the committee will recommend its report is sent to the ICAC, while criticising the Premier over a meeting with the Australian Turf Club’s (ATC) head of government ­relations.

Mr Minns accused committee members of trying to “politicise” the corruption watchdog by weaponising an “unsubstantiated referral” to the ICAC.

Mr Latham has been leading the charge to torpedo the Rosehill development plans in the parliamentary inquiry, supported by a number of Liberals.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman.

Mark Latham at Randwick Racecourse.

On Thursday, Mr Latham argued that Mr Minns should be investigated by the corruption watchdog over a meeting he held with the ATC’s head of government relations Steve McMahon.

Mr McMahon, who isn’t accused of any wrongdoing, is old friends with Mr Minns, with the friendship going back decades. The Premier said Mr Latham had “hoodwinked” other committee members into calling for an ICAC investigation.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the claims are unsubstantiated. Picture: Nikki Short

“It undermines and corrodes community confidence in something that is important for public integrity in the state,” the Premier said.

“I think it is distressing that the Greens and the Liberal Party are now dancing to the tune of Mark Latham on this committee.

“We’re not going to get intimidated by unsubstantiated referrals to the ICAC to stop much-needed progress when it comes to the most basic of needs for families in Sydney and that is to get a roof over your head.”

Members of the committee refused to speak publicly on Thursday.

Mr Speakman would not comment on the conduct of his MPs ahead of the report being released.

“I haven’t seen any draft or final report, nor have I had any input into its contents,” Mr Speakman said.

“The committee’s deliberations and drafting are meant to be confidential until the report is published. I’ll study the report once it’s published.”

A parliamentary inquiry referring a matter to ICAC has no impact on whether or not the issue would be investigated, which is up to the corruption watchdog itself.

No decision has been made by ICAC, and the Telegraph is not suggesting there is any wrongdoing.

ICAC boss John Hatzistergos has previously warned against people “weaponising” referrals to the corruption watchdog.

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