Former Strathfield council mayor Matthew Blackmore appeared before the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) this week as part of an investigation known as Operation Rosny. During his testimony, Blackmore alleged that he was subjected to a campaign of intimidation after he declined to honor a prior agreement to step down from his mayoral position in 2022.

Blackmore told the commission that the pressure tactics included direct threats against him and his family. He further alleged that he was followed and that his children were secretly recorded by individuals connected to the dispute. The inquiry is currently focused on the conduct of former Labor councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene. The commission is tasked with determining whether these individuals engaged in criminal acts, specifically blackmail or illegal surveillance, to force Blackmore out of office.

The proceedings are part of a broader effort by the NSW corruption watchdog to examine allegations of misconduct within local government. While the inquiry is ongoing, the testimony provided by Blackmore highlights serious claims regarding the intersection of local political power struggles and personal safety. The accused councillors have yet to provide their full formal responses to these specific allegations within the public forum of the inquiry. The investigation remains active as ICAC continues to gather evidence regarding the alleged pressure campaign.