ICAC Probe into Perrottet Family’s Links to Developer and Liberal “Reformers” Faction

The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is examining whether $2 million in undeclared donations from developer Jean Nassif were funneled through lobbyists to support the Liberal-aligned “Reformers” faction and to benefit Nassif’s development interests. Central to the inquiry are payments of $660,999 to Anita Perrottet for consulting work and evidence that her husband, Charles Perrottet, provided Nassif with political information on behalf of the Reformers. The investigation will determine whether the fees were genuine or a cover for political contributions.

Anita Perrottet questioned over $660,999 in ICAC payments

The controversy began with the 2022 dismissal of the Hills Shire council after a parliamentary speech alleged secret developer payments. The episode expanded into a pressure campaign aimed at removing the NSW building commissioner and led to defective high-rise apartments and disgruntled homebuyers. The Reformers—a group of conservative Liberal operatives—have been accused of using alleged donations to stack party branches and shift the party further right. ICAC’s probe, now in its fourth year, has traced phone records, bank statements and CCTV footage to map the flow of money and contacts.

The Guardian

• Alleged undeclared donation: $2 million.

The Guardian

• Payments to Anita: $313,500 from Beckington for Greyhounds NSW work (2021-2022) and $347,000 in 2022 for “project consulting,” totaling $660,999.

The Guardian

• Charles’s meetings with Nassif began in December 2019.

The Guardian

• ICAC examined phone-tower data, bank records, tax returns and CCTV of hotel meetings.

The Guardian

Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC questioned Anita about the size of the payments; Anita said the amount reflected her worth and that Jeremy Greenwood considered her a “huge value-add.” Charles testified he maintained contact with Nassif, provided Liberal Party updates and helped pursue unpaid invoices, describing his actions as attempts to “appease” Nassif while seeking information on Elliott. Anita denied knowing Nassif or having Toplace as a client. Dominic Perrottet declined comment on family ties to the cabinet.

The Guardian

• Memory vs. Evidence: Anita claimed she did not remember attending a lunch at Nassif’s house, yet ICAC presented photographs of her children at the residence and texts indicating she suggested her husband bring wine.

The Guardian

• Documentation: ICAC could not locate work-product documents—research, emails or marketing strategies—supporting the consulting fees, relying only on invoices from Macquarie Consulting.

The Guardian

• Political Outcome Link: The commission has traced the money flow but has not established a direct nexus between the payments and specific political actions by the Perrottet government.

Anita Perrottet questioned over $660,999 in ICAC payments

ICAC indicated the inquiry remains active, with further examinations of financial records and witness testimony planned. No final findings have been released and no timetable for concluding the investigation has been announced.

The Guardian