‘Old-fashioned smear’: NSW Premier Chris Minns hits back at ICAC baseline plan for Rosehill Gardens Racecourse redevelopment

NSW Premier Chris Minns has spoken out after it was revealed he would be referred to the state’s corruption watchdog over his relationship with a key figure behind the redevelopment of Rosehill Gardens Racecourse.

It was reported on Wednesday that a parliamentary committee investigating the redevelopment had voted to dismiss the Prime Minister’s relationship with Stephen McMahon, head of corporate relations at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse’s parent company, the Australian Turf Club, to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

The state government announced plans in December 2023 to transform the racecourse into a mini-city of 25,000 homes with a metro station, a public park and new amenities.

Mr Minns responded to the ICAC’s dismissal plan on Wednesday evening, saying it was “completely disgraceful” that the corruption watchdog was being politicized with “unsubstantiated rumours”.

“There is absolutely no evidence or even an attempt to quantify what rule, practice or procedure was broken,” he said.

“This is an old-fashioned smear from a group of politicians opposed to changes in Rosehill.

“But while it may be understandable to oppose a policy, unsubstantiated allegations of corruption are a cynical attempt to score political points.”

Announcing the redevelopment proposal last year, Mr Minns claimed the $5 billion project would “reshape Sydney”.

Mr Minns is accused of conflict of interest for striking a deal with Mr McMahon, whom he has known for more than 20 years, during an informal meeting.

Minutes of the committee’s deliberations last Friday, obtained by 7News, showed that opposition members and MPs voted to refer the prime minister to the ICAC.

“The committee is of the view that the Prime Minister should have declared a conflict of interest, especially in light of the ICAC decision on Operation Keppel,” the minutes reveal.

Mr. Minns was questioned in June about who proposed the redevelopment idea to him during a budget estimates hearing.

“That would have been the case – I can’t remember his position – but Steve McMahon at ATC,” Mr Minns said at the time.

“I’ve known him for a long time.”

A report on the proposal will be delivered on Friday.

While questions about possible political corruption have been raised as the state considers the proposal, many in racing have denounced the move, with racehorse trainer Gai Waterhouse saying the industry was “irritated” by the plan during his testimony at an inquest in July.

She also said members of the Australian Turf Club would not agree to sell the track if it was offered to them.

“It is the members who own Rosehill. If they put the proposal to members now for a vote they would be overwhelmingly against the sale,” Ms Waterhouse said.

SkyNews.com.au has contacted the Prime Minister’s office.