Dodgy deals, deleted devices and dubious definitions: Cracking the ICAC code

September 4, 2026 — 5:00am

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The late British raconteur Quentin Crisp once quipped: “Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne.”

“Colourful racing identity” is a favoured euphemism for Sydney journalists describing a person suspected of being involved in organised crime.

“Tired and emotional” is the well-known British euphemism for parliamentarians or media personalities being incoherently drunk in public.

Operation Rosny, the current Independent Corruption Inquiry, has developed its own array of euphemisms which various witnesses have used to dress up some distasteful realities.

As his evidence dragged into its third day, Charles Perrottet, the brother of the former premier Dom Perrottet, used some masterful linguistic gymnastics to cover allegations of his political chicanery.

At one stage, counsel assisting Dr Peggy Dwyer SC said in frustration: “I am trying to use words you can’t get around.”

When Dwyer mentioned “branch stacking”, Perrottet corrected her. “It was branch development,” insisted Perrottet, who has been described as the........

© The Sydney Morning Herald