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'Black Ops': Young Liberal Aaron Henry. Photo: Rob Homer

They were Young Liberals on a covert mission, codenamed Black Ops. The dress code was black, the meeting time was 10pm, and it was BYO ladder. Their mission: to tear down ''illegally'' posted campaign posters on telegraph poles, allegedly including their own.

Inspired by the buff Brad Pitt in cult movie Fight Club, a former adviser to minister Chris Hartcher fired off an email on August 11, 2011, to whip the party's youngest members into action.

Aaron Henry, the author of the missive, assured the Independent Commission Against Corruption that they were not waging a covert war on their political opponents and were even removing their own posters.

Tim Koelma leaving ICAC. Photo: Rob Homer

''Come on Mr Henry! Are you telling us that ''Black Ops'' was Young Liberals sneaking out at night, removing your own signs?'' said Geoffrey Watson, SC, counsel assisting the commission.

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''It's a light hearted thing in order to help keep Young Liberals engaged and meeting us to go out and do work at 10pm at night,'' said Mr Henry.

An incredulous Mr Watson said that it was more likely the group was ''slashing'' the posters of their political rivals, but Mr Henry insisted this was a very small part of the crack team's work.

No one talks: Charles Perrottet leaves the ICAC with his counsel yesterday. Photo: Rob Homer

Continued here:
Young Liberals' Fight Club