New South Wales — political history baseline
ICAC as permanent risk (1990s–present)
NSW is unique: Independent Commission Against Corruption has ended premiers and ministers from both parties. Politics is structured around anticipation of ICAC, not just policy.
Sussex Street Right
NSW ALP Right machine (Unity) has dominated preselections and premiers (Carr, Iemma, McKay pathways). Legacy: Federal leaders often need NSW Right numbers (Albanese balances via national caucus).
O'Farrell–Baird–Berejiklian–Dominic era (2011–2023)
Liberal decade: infrastructure, privatisation, then integrity scandals (Berejiklian ICAC exposure). Legacy: Liberal brand in NSW tied to integrity risk; Minns 2023 win as reset.
Planning and housing as battleground
Every NSW government since Carr fights the same war: growth vs NIMBY, developer donations, council amalgamations. Legacy: Planning policy is always tier-1.