Parliamentary committee targeting PM says it has referred Rosehill Racecourse accommodation proposal to ICAC

A parliamentary committee targeting the Prime Minister has announced it has referred the Rosehill Racecourse housing proposal to the ICAC.

In a 139-page report, the committee concluded that “given the significant conflicting evidence regarding the proposal to develop Rosehill Racecourse, including unanswered questions regarding the Prime Minister’s involvement and concerns about relations conflicts of interest, the report should be referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

7NEWS broke the story Wednesday after an explosive leak.

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The committee was reviewing a $5 billion plan to turn the racetrack into 25,000 homes.

At issue is an informal meeting between Prime Minister Chris Minns and his long-time friend Steve McMahon.

Minns has spoken openly about his more than 20-year friendship with ATC manager McMahon.

The Prime Minister’s diary described it as a “meet and greet”, which the committee found to be inaccurate and misleading, recommending an update to the routine disclosure guidelines.

“The manner in which the Prime Minister and the Government announced the proposal was in contravention of “unsolicited proposals; submission and evaluation guide” by failing to maintain impartiality, the report said.

Labor committee members voted against referring the report to the ICAC and the government denies any violations or wrongdoing.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales. Credit: PAA/The West

“I absolutely believe there is no evidence,” said Labor MLC and committee member Peter Primrose.

The Prime Minister was also categorical.

“Absolutely no information, no facts, no evidence,” he said.

The watchdog’s commissioner has previously warned MPs against politicized dismissals, which Primrose also condemned.

The 140-year-old Rosehill Gardens racecourse will be transformed into a housing estate. Credit: PAA

“ICAC is a very important institution,” he said.

“He should be able to go on and do his job, but weaponizing it discredits him.”

Anyone can bring a case to the ICAC, it is up to the corruption watchdog whether it chooses to investigate.

7NEWS is in no way suggesting any improper conduct on the part of McMahon or Minns, or that they have benefited or would benefit from any deal relating to Rosehill Racecourse. It is a matter for the ICAC, if it chooses to investigate.

Turf Club members are expected to vote on the proposal in April.

-With PAA