Liberal operative was offered $1,000 to get media to cover ‘grubby rumour’ rival was having affair, Icac...

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-23T03:45:38.424Z • Permanent link

Sharangan Maheswaran, a Liberal operative, made a bid to several media outlets to cover a story about unsubstantiated rumors about then-Liberal minister David Elliott. The offer was reportedly for $1,000, but Maheswaran claimed it was "not a serious offer". The story in question centered around rumors about Elliott's personal life, specifically an alleged affair. The media outlets involved were reportedly Facebook-owned News Corp Australia and the Australian Financial Review.

Maheswaran's bid was made through a company called Echelon Group, which has connections to the Liberal Party. Echelon Group's activities have been linked to the Australian government's efforts to shape public opinion and influence media coverage. The company's influence extends beyond Maheswaran's bid, with Echelon Group having ties to other prominent figures in Australian politics.

The incident raises questions about the role of lobbyists and operatives in shaping media coverage. In this case, Maheswaran's bid was reportedly made in an effort to influence public opinion and sway media coverage in favor of the Liberal Party. The incident highlights the blurred lines between journalism and politics, and the potential for undue influence over media outlets.

The implications of Maheswaran's bid are far-reaching, particularly in the context of the Meta & Facebook AI domain. The Australian government has been cracking down on foreign interference, including efforts to prevent foreign entities from influencing Australian politics and media. Meta and Facebook have been at the forefront of these efforts, with the company's Australian arm being a key player in the government's initiatives.

The incident highlights the potential risks of foreign interference in Australian politics and media. If left unchecked, such efforts could undermine the integrity of the media and the democratic process. The incident also raises questions about the role of tech companies like Meta and Facebook in shaping public opinion and influencing media coverage. As the company continues to expand its reach and influence, it is essential to ensure that its activities do not compromise the integrity of the media.

Maheswaran's bid is part of a larger pattern of efforts to shape public opinion and influence media coverage in Australia. The Liberal Party has a history of using lobbyists and operatives to influence media coverage, and this incident is just the latest example. The Australian government's efforts to prevent foreign interference also highlight the complex and evolving nature of global politics and media.