'No evidence': SC shuts down Trump nom's accusations

• Gleeson report finds no credible evidence against Larry Kestelman
• Basketball Australia clears NBL owner after independent investigation
• Novelly’s ambassador nomination lapses under US Senate rules

US President Donald Trump’s nomination for Ambassador to New Zealand, Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Niue and the owner of the Illawarra Hawks, Jared Novelly’s code of conduct complaint against NBL owner Larry Kestelman was not considered “credible”, Basketball Australia revealed today.

BA received a formal complaint from Crest Entertainment, of which Novelly is the chairman, about NBL owner and executive director Larry Kestelman.

“The investigation found that there was no credible evidence provided in the complaint to establish a disciplinary or code of conduct breach by Mr Kestelman and that there was no evidence that the NBL or the Clubs had been disadvantaged because of conduct alleged in the complaint,” BA wrote in a statement.

An independent investigation was done by Justin Gleeson SC, who consulted the league’s 10 clubs and found no evidence that any had been disadvantaged by Kestelman's management of the league, which was the basis for Crest’s complaint.

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The NSW Supreme Court last year ruled against Novelly's push to access NBL financial documents.

Crest has appealed.

“I’m pleased this matter is now behind us, and that my name has been cleared,” Kestelman said.

“I have worked extremely hard to repair and grow the NBL for the last 15 years and have always acted in the best interests of basketball in Australia, and welcome the outcome of the investigation.

“I thank Basketball Australia, its integrity unit, and Mr Gleeson for handling the matter diligently and ensuring a fair and extremely thorough process.

“I remain committed to the continued growth of the NBL and to working collaboratively across the sport,” Mr Kestelman added. “This presents a clear opportunity to further align and deliver world-class standards both on and off the court.”

“We look forward to a united future across the sport and remain focused on delivering an exceptional experience for fans, supporting our clubs, and driving continued growth.”

But Novelly’s Crest, which also lodged a complaint with FIBA last year, doubled down again today.

"This attempted cover-up is paper-thin," a Crest spokesperson wrote in a statement to AAP.

"Until the report is released in full, how can anyone have confidence in the process or the outcome?

“Burying it shows a lack of respect for players, owners, fans and everyone involved in the game.

"The self-dealing and conflicts of interest, which tarnish basketball in this country, are patently obvious to anyone who follows the game.

“That is why we initially went to FIBA with our complaint and expect they will ultimately have to investigate."

The Gleeson report “made it clear that there is no evidence that Mr Kestelman had acted in bad faith as the owner of the NBL. There was also no evidence that the NBL or the Clubs had been disadvantaged because of conduct alleged in the complaint,” BA’s statement said.

Instead, it “recognised Mr Kestelman’s significant contribution to the revitalisation and success of the NBL”.

As part of the process, Professor Graeme Samuel AC, a governance and leadership expert, has been appointed to the NBL board. Professor Samuel has served on both AFL and ARL commissions.

NBL CEO David Stevenson said: “The NBL has delivered remarkable growth on and off court in recent years and now delivers a world-class product and experience for our fans, players, clubs and partners.

“We have a unique opportunity to reach new heights, but this is best realised when the whole of Basketball comes together as one team heading in the same direction.

“With this matter now behind us, we are focused on working closely with Basketball Australia, clubs, players and partners to unlock the next phase of growth for the sport.”

Basketball Australia said it would “lead a project, in collaboration with the NBL, to ensure these best-practice standards are met across all areas”.

“This project will be independently overseen by global risk and financial advisory consultant Kroll. A project plan will be developed, expected to take approximately nine months to fully implement,” BA said.

“This is a positive project that will allow the NBL and the Clubs to build on the outstanding success of the 2025-26 season and set the game up for continued growth at fan and grassroots level,” Basketball Australia Chair John Carey said.

“Mr Gleeson, who was eminently qualified to conduct this independent review, consulted closely with all the NBL Clubs and the NBL, and produced a rigorous and well-considered report.

“Basketball Australia greatly appreciates the feedback and collaboration from the NBL Clubs in relation to this matter, and they can be assured that we will work closely with the NBL to ensure the recommendations of the report are fully implemented.”

Novelly’s Ambassadorial nomination on April 1, 2025, was “Returned to the President under the provisions of Senate Rule XXXI, paragraph 6 of the Standing Rules of the Senate” on March 1, 2026, because the Senate Committee had not yet voted on it.

It means his nomination has lapsed and must be resubmitted.

Who is Justin Thomas Gleeson?

Justin Thomas Gleeson SC is a leading Australian barrister and former Solicitor-General of Australia (2012–2016) — the Commonwealth’s second-ranking law officer and its primary advocate in major constitutional cases.

He is widely regarded as one of Australia’s foremost constitutional lawyers – known both for his High Court advocacy and his high-profile resignation from one of the nation’s most powerful legal roles.

Gleeson built his reputation as one of Australia’s top appellate lawyers before being appointed Solicitor-General in 2012, succeeding Stephen Gageler in the role.

• As Solicitor-General, he represented the Australian Government in the High Court, particularly in constitutional matters.
• His tenure ended in 2016 after a public dispute with then Attorney-General George Brandis, which he described as an “irretrievably broken” relationship.
• Following his resignation, he returned to private practice at Banco Chambers and continues to work as both a senior counsel and international arbitrator.

Education and legal standing

• Educated at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield
• Law degree from the University of Sydney (University Medal, First-Class Honours)
• Postgraduate law at the University of Oxford (Bachelor of Civil Law)

He holds the title Senior Counsel (SC) — recognition as one of Australia’s most senior and respected barristers.

Notable work

• Appeared in major High Court cases, including involvement in the 2017 constitutional crisis (the “citizenship cases”).
• Regularly briefs on complex constitutional, administrative, and commercial matters.

Banco Chambers states: "Justin has close to 40 years legal experience, as solicitor (1985 – 1988), counsel (1989 onwards), and Senior Counsel (2000 onwards). He was the founding head of Banco Chambers, Sydney (2005 – 2012). Most recently, he was the tenth Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia (2012 – 2016). He is widely acknowledged as one of Australia’s most preeminent barristers. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law, of ACICA, and of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a prolific legal author. He is a member of the SIAC and HKIAC arbitral panels. He specialises in international law, international arbitration, constitutional law, and appellate law. He is available accept appointments as arbitrator or expert determiner in both domestic and international matters, or to appear as counsel."

Jared Novelly’s Nomination Letter to the US Senate

REPORT FOR THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

UNITED STATES SENATE

SUBJECT: Ambassadorial Nomination:  Certificate of Demonstrated Competence — Foreign Service Act, Section 304(a)(4)

POST: New Zealand, Independent State of Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Niue

CANDIDATE: Jared Novelly

Jared Novelly has a distinguished career in business, sports management, and philanthropy. He currently serves as the Principal of Crest Sports and Entertainment, through which he is the Owner and Chairman of The Illawarra Hawks, a basketball team that competes in the National Basketball League for Australia. He is also the Director of Apex Holding Company and Apex Oil Corporation, Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr Novelly has served as a Principal, Owner, and Broker of Saint Albans Realty. He has also served in various positions for Southwestern Bell Wireless as a Customer Care Representative, Assistant Manager, and Regional Manager. Mr Novelly worked for SBC Wireless/Cingular and SBC Management Services, Inc. as a Director of Internet Operations, Associate Director of Merger Transition and Global Solutions. In living and conducting business throughout the Oceania region over the last seven years, he has developed strong professional relationships across both business and government sectors and a deep understanding of the region’s economic and political landscape, making him well qualified to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, the Independent State of Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Niue.

Mr Novelly is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. He holds a Masters of Property Development from the University of Technology Sydney in Ultimo, Australia and both a B.A. and B.S. from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri.