‘Not corrupt conduct’: ICAC clears Minns of Rosehill wrongdoing

A parliamentary committee had accused the premier of being impartial in how a proposal to sell Rosehill Racecourse was handled, but the corruption watchdog said the premier had no case to answer.

The corruption watchdog has thrown out a report from a parliamentary committee that alleged potential wrongdoing in how a proposal to sell Rosehill Racecourse was handled.

A Coalition and cross bench committee earlier this month called for the Independent Commission Against Corruption to investigate how Premier Chris Minns handled a meeting with the Australian Turf Club’s government relations boss Steve McMahon, an old friend.

A parliamentary report raised “concerns regarding direct dealings and conflicts of interest” in relation to the Rosehill proposal, and referred its report to ICAC.

Premier Chris Minns has been criticised by some over his proposal to sell Rosehill Gardens Racecourse (above). Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

In a statement on Thursday, the ICAC said it would not investigate the matter.

The ICAC “considered the concerns identified in the Report and has unanimously determined that the information provided does not indicate a reasonable likelihood of involving corrupt conduct,” it said in a statement.

“The Commission will therefore not be pursuing the matter.”

The parliamentary committee referred its final report to ICAC due to “significant conflicting evidence regarding the proposal to develop Rosehill Racecourse, including unanswered questions surrounding the involvement of the Premier”.

A meeting between Mr McMahon and Mr Minns where the proposal was discussed was described as a “meet and greet” in official diary disclosures.

ICAC found Minns’ behaviour did “not indicate a reasonable likelihood of involving corrupt conduct”. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

The inquiry found that description was “inaccurate” and “misleading”.

The inquiry, dominated by Coalition MPs and cross-benchers found that the government “breached impartiality considerations” when considering the Rosehill proposal.

It also found there was “conflicting evidence regarding the proposal to develop Rosehill Racecourse,” including “unanswered questions” about Mr Minns involvement, and said the government’s announcement was in breach of guidelines.