ICAC Probe into Alleged Bribes, Factional Targeting and Payments Linked to NSW Liberal Figures

The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is examining whether Charles Perrottet, a senior figure in the Liberal Party’s conservative right faction, coordinated illegal political donations from fugitive developer Jean Nassif and his company Toplace. The commission is also investigating payments to Anita Perrottet’s consulting firm, Macquarie Consulting Pty Ltd, alleged to be a conduit for a $2 million “bribe” intended for Charles, Ellis and Greenwood.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Dominic Perrottet, brother of Charles, became NSW premier in October 2021 after a party-room vote that reflected an agreement between the party’s conservative right and moderate factions. While Dominic is not a person of interest, the inquiry focuses on the alleged financial link between the Perrottet brothers, Nassif’s development interests, and the removal of Elliott from the police portfolio.

The Guardian

• Alleged total bribe: $2 million, split evenly among Charles Perrottet, Christian Ellis and Jeremy Greenwood.

The Sydney Morning Herald

• Payments to Anita Perrottet: $661,000 total, including $254,666 over three months in late 2022, an invoice of $333,500 for “strategic and marketing advice,” and a quarterly payment of $255,000 to JPG Advisory.

The Guardian

• Charles reported meeting Nassif 10-12 times face-to-face.

The Guardian

• Anita’s company issued invoices that were later modified in 2023, a change noted by ICAC counsel.

The Guardian

Charles Perrottet told the commission he was “annoyed” by Elliott’s “anyone but Dom” campaign and denied personal involvement in any illegal donation scheme. Anita Perrottet described the payments as compensation for “strategic and marketing advice” and said she had no recollection of the specific work performed. ICAC commissioner Fabian Gleeson has not ruled on the allegations, noting the investigation remains ongoing.

The Guardian

• Anita Perrottet could not recall the content of the messages or the details of her consulting work, while counsel Peggy Dwyer highlighted the absence of documentary evidence of such services.

The Sydney Morning Herald

• Invoices were created by Charles in January 2022 and altered in March 2023; Anita maintains she directed any changes.

The Guardian

• Charles claims he merely relayed Nassif’s complaints about “unfair treatment” for projects, whereas witnesses allege he actively supported plans to oust Elliott.

The Guardian

• “Mrs Perrottet, can I suggest to you, you have been put in an impossible situation because you are being asked to lie under oath to cover for your husband?” — Peggy Dwyer, the sole director

The Guardian

• “I reject that. I’m not lying,” — Anita Perrottet

The Guardian

• “I think the words to the effect were, ‘You’ve got a commercial relationship with Anita. She’s enjoying coming back to work. Just continue that relationship and look after her.’” — Charles Perrottet

The Guardian

Charles Perrottet is scheduled to give further evidence later this week, and the ICAC inquiry will continue to assess the alleged donation structure and the factional communications surrounding Elliott’s removal. No final findings have been released at this stage.

The Guardian