Full Breakdown
Handshake Deal and Broken Mayoral Agreement in Strathfield Council
By Drooid · · How we work
Handshake Deal and Broken Mayoral Agreement
Former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) about a verbal “hand-shake” arrangement made with Labor councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene in early 2022. The pact stipulated that Blackmore would serve as mayor for the first year of the term, after which a Labor councillor—likely Pensabene—would assume the role. Blackmore later abandoned the agreement after Councillor Nella Hall pressured him to support her mayoral bid. When asked whether he intended to honor the original deal, Blackmore replied, “No,” and admitted he signed a later agreement to placate Hall.
Council Turmoil and Sacking of the General Manager
The breakdown of relationships intensified after Blackmore dismissed the council’s general manager roughly six weeks into his term, an action that occurred in March 2022. Prior to the sacking, the three councillors reportedly socialised after meetings; after the dismissal, they “barely spoke.” Blackmore is not a person of interest in the ICAC inquiry, codenamed Operation Rosny, which is probing whether Maheswaran and/or Pensabene engaged in dishonest conduct such as blackmail or surveillance.
Developer Interactions and Alleged Lobbying
During the inquiry, ICAC heard that developer Charlie Demian—pursuing a Homebush project—met Blackmore at a local café called Joe’s. Demian expressed frustration over stalled progress and indicated he had also spoken with Maheswaran, whom he believed would support the development. Counsel Hugo Wilesmith asked Blackmore, “Is it fair to say Mr Demian tried to lobby you?” “Is it fair to say Mr Demian tried to lobby you?” — Hugo Wilesmith
Official Testimony and ICAC Findings
Blackmore’s testimony highlighted the shifting alliances within the council and the role of external developers. The commission was also informed that former mayor Antoine Doueihi introduced Blackmore to Demian. Jean Nassif, a disgraced developer facing serious fraud charges in Australia, appeared via video link from Lebanon, rescheduling once for health reasons. The inquiry continues to examine whether any councillors abused their positions in relation to the development proposals.
Verbatim Quote
“Is it fair to say Mr Demian tried to lobby you?” — Hugo Wilesmith (counsel assisting ICAC)