How the 'Braveheart' tribe of young Liberals descended from the Hills only to have their kilts lifted by Icac
News Source
β’Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:00:17 GMT
π° What Happened
The NSW Liberal Party has long been riven by factional battles between its moderate and conservative wings. The 'Reformers' emerged as a secretive sub-faction within the party's dominant right faction, characterised by their conservative Catholic faith, many having attended the Opus Dei-aligned Redfield College in the Hills District of north-west Sydney. The group was described by former NSW MP David Elliott as 'a cult', and its members reportedly saw themselves as akin to a Scottish tribe from the movie Braveheart.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation, Operation Rosny, is examining whether the Reformers engaged in corrupt conduct including illegal political donations, branch stacking, and smear campaigns against rivals. The inquiry has revealed the group allegedly took funds from prohibited donors including developers and hoteliers, in amounts exceeding NSW's donation caps, and may have done the bidding of fugitive developer Jean Nassif. The involvement of Catholic Schools NSW, which allegedly provided $260,000, has also raised serious questions.
π The Backstory
The NSW Liberal Party has long been riven by factional battles between its moderate and conservative wings. The 'Reformers' emerged as a secretive sub-faction within the party's dominant right faction, characterised by their conservative Catholic faith, many having attended the Opus Dei-aligned Redfield College in the Hills District of north-west Sydney. The group was described by former NSW MP David Elliott as 'a cult', and its members reportedly saw themselves as akin to a Scottish tribe from the movie Braveheart.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation, Operation Rosny, is examining whether the Reformers engaged in corrupt conduct including illegal political donations, branch stacking, and smear campaigns against rivals. The inquiry has revealed the group allegedly took funds from prohibited donors including developers and hoteliers, in amounts exceeding NSW's donation caps, and may have done the bidding of fugitive developer Jean Nassif. The involvement of Catholic Schools NSW, which allegedly provided $260,000, has also raised serious questions.
π― Why It Matters
This ICAC investigation strikes at the heart of political corruption concerns in New South Wales, exposing the intersection of religious conservatism, factional power struggles, and potentially illegal fundraising. The revelations about Catholic Schools NSW's alleged $260,000 in payments have particularly disturbed Catholic educators and raise profound questions about the separation of church and state in political funding.
For federal opposition leader Angus Taylor, who has been mentioned in evidence as a potential donor to the group, the investigation creates serious political headaches. While Taylor denies any payment was made, the ongoing speculation about his involvement threatens to destabilise his leadership and distract from the Coalition's electoral challenges.
The NSW Liberal Party has long been riven by factional battles between its moderate and conservative wings. The 'Reformers' emerged as a secretive sub-faction within the party's dominant right faction, characterised by their conservative Catholic faith, many having attended the Opus Dei-aligned Redfield College in the Hills District of north-west Sydney. The group was described by former NSW MP David Elliott as 'a cult', and its members reportedly saw themselves as akin to a Scottish tribe from the movie Braveheart.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation, Operation Rosny, is examining whether the Reformers engaged in corrupt conduct including illegal political donations, branch stacking, and smear campaigns against rivals. The inquiry has revealed the group allegedly took funds from prohibited donors including developers and hoteliers, in amounts exceeding NSW's donation caps, and may have done the bidding of fugitive developer Jean Nassif. The involvement of Catholic Schools NSW, which allegedly provided $260,000, has also raised serious questions.
The NSW Liberal Party has long been riven by factional battles between its moderate and conservative wings. The 'Reformers' emerged as a secretive sub-faction within the party's dominant right faction, characterised by their conservative Catholic faith, many having attended the Opus Dei-aligned Redfield College in the Hills District of north-west Sydney. The group was described by former NSW MP David Elliott as 'a cult', and its members reportedly saw themselves as akin to a Scottish tribe from the movie Braveheart.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation, Operation Rosny, is examining whether the Reformers engaged in corrupt conduct including illegal political donations, branch stacking, and smear campaigns against rivals. The inquiry has revealed the group allegedly took funds from prohibited donors including developers and hoteliers, in amounts exceeding NSW's donation caps, and may have done the bidding of fugitive developer Jean Nassif. The involvement of Catholic Schools NSW, which allegedly provided $260,000, has also raised serious questions.
This ICAC investigation strikes at the heart of political corruption concerns in New South Wales, exposing the intersection of religious conservatism, factional power struggles, and potentially illegal fundraising. The revelations about Catholic Schools NSW's alleged $260,000 in payments have particularly disturbed Catholic educators and raise profound questions about the separation of church and state in political funding.
For federal opposition leader Angus Taylor, who has been mentioned in evidence as a potential donor to the group, the investigation creates serious political headaches. While Taylor denies any payment was made, the ongoing speculation about his involvement threatens to destabilise his leadership and distract from the Coalition's electoral challenges.