The New South Wales anti-corruption watchdog, ICAC, has received testimony regarding an alleged attempt to manipulate media coverage of former Liberal minister David Elliott. Sharangan Maheswaran, a Liberal operative, testified that he was offered $1,000 by a lawyer representing property developer Jean Nassif to secure media coverage of an unverified rumor concerning an extramarital affair and alleged breaches of Covid-19 restrictions by Elliott.

During the hearing, Maheswaran was presented with digital communications sent to lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood regarding the placement of the story. While Maheswaran characterized the offer as "not a serious offer" during his testimony, the commission was shown a specific message he sent to Greenwood in which he explicitly stated he was "not joking." The investigation centers on the ethics of using paid intermediaries to influence public perception of government officials through the media.

There is a notable tension between Maheswaran’s oral testimony and the documentary evidence presented at the hearing. While Maheswaran attempted to downplay the intent behind the offer, the text messages suggest a more deliberate attempt to facilitate a smear campaign. The commission is currently examining the extent to which these tactics were employed by associates of Jean Nassif to exert pressure on political figures.