NSW Liberal faction figures face ICAC scrutiny over alleged $2 million donations from fugitive developer

The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is examining whether three Liberal operatives—Charles Perrottet, lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood and activist Christian Ellis—received prohibited donations totalling $2 million from fugitive developer Jean Nassif between 2020 and 2023.

The Guardian

ICAC alleges the money was intended to secure outcomes such as the removal of the Hills Shire council and the ousting of former building commissioner David Chandler.

The Guardian

During a meeting on 24 April, Greenwood and Ellis exchanged texts about purchasing a Porsche or Ferrari with the funds, indicating personal reward discussions.

The Guardian

A phone call 2 October 2021 presented to the commission shows Nassif referring to former premier Dominic Perrottet as “my boy” and boasting of influencing ministerial appointments.

The Guardian

Toplace sought fast-track approvals under a NSW scheme that accelerates development consent. Nassif’s projects—including 189 Macquarie Street (Parramatta) and the Garthowen project (Castle Hill)—were approved through this process.

The Guardian

NSW law bans property developers from making political donations, a rule intended to prevent the type of alleged quid-pro-quo described by ICAC.

ICAC hears of Charles Perrottet’s links to a property developer and the $5m bribe that wasn’t

• $2 million in alleged prohibited donations, split three ways according to counsel Peggy Dwyer.

The Guardian

• $660,999 paid to Anita Perrottet (Charles Perrottet’s wife) for “strategic and marketing advice.”

ICAC Hears Nassif Calls Perrottet His ‘Boy’

• $30,000 monthly retainer paid to Beckington Consulting (Greenwood’s firm) before the alleged extra payments.

The Guardian

• Text exchange referenced a $280,000 car price as a benchmark for the reward.

The Guardian

• Charles Perrottet denied illegal donations, saying the funds were for legitimate lobbying work and that payments to his wife were for genuine advice. He also said he never discussed cabinet appointments with his brother Dominic.

ICAC Hears Nassif Calls Perrottet His ‘Boy’

• Anita Perrottet maintained her payments were for bona-fide services.

ICAC Hears Nassif Calls Perrottet His ‘Boy’

• Dominic Perrottet was stated not to be a person of interest.

ICAC Hears Nassif Calls Perrottet His ‘Boy’

• Counsel Peggy Dwyer accused Charles Perrottet of providing inconsistent evidence and suggested he had “fabricated evidence” regarding his wife’s testimony.

The Guardian

Counsel Dwyer described Perrottet’s statements about the payments and alleged political outcomes as “not entirely straight,” suggesting false evidence under oath.

The Guardian

• The amount paid to Anita Perrottet is cited as $660,999 in one testimony and $660,000 in another.

The Guardian

• Greenwood and Ellis describe the funds as “just how Nassif does business,” contrasting ICAC’s view of prohibited donations.

The Guardian

• No direct documentary link ties the $2 million to the removal of the Hills Shire council or Chandler’s resignation.

The Guardian

• “We thought we [had] done it, then this wanker the police minister he did it, and he had a caucus, and he convinced Rob Stokes to challenge my boy,” — Jean Nassif

The Guardian

• “They’re my people, they’re the right wing.” — Jean Nassif

The Guardian

The ICAC inquiry remains ongoing. Nassif, who fled Australia in 2022, withdrew from a scheduled video-link appearance after submitting a medical certificate. The commission has indicated further hearings will address the alleged payments and their connection to political decisions.

The Guardian