The New South Wales corruption watchdog will hold public hearings to investigate the alleged links between the state’s Liberal Party, two brothers of a former NSW premier, disgraced developer Jean Nassif, other ‘prohibited’ donors and councillors.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will hold eight weeks of public hearings from late July to explore allegations referred to it — at least in part — by the NSW Electoral Commission as part of Operation Rosny.
Three main allegations are being investigated during the hearings, covering a four-year period when the Liberal Party governed the state until 2023.
Named in the allegations are two brothers of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet and fugitive Toplace property developer Jean Nassif.
The first allegation has to do with the soliciting and accepting of improper donations to recruit or renew members to the Liberal Party of NSW, by Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, Robert Assaf and Jean-Claude Perrottet — the younger brother of the former premier.
Jean-Claude Perrottet (left) and his brother Charles Perrottet. (AAP and Facebook: Charles Perrottet)
Donations allegedly made by Catholic Schools NSW chief executive Dallas McInerney were not declared and exceeded caps.
As were the alleged donations made by Paslibdan Ptd, though they were reportedly made on behalf of a prohibited donor, hotelier Michael O’Hara.
Alleged links to fugitive developer under scrutiny
The second allegation involves the former premier’s second brother, Charles Perrottet, as well as Christian Ellis and Jeremy Greenwood.
It has been alleged they solicited and accepted political donations that were either made by or on the behalf of Mr Nassif.
In exchange, it has been alleged Mr Nassif sought the removal of former Building Commissioner David Chandler, who ordered repairs of multiple Toplace apartment developments.
Ultimately Toplace was placed into administration, owing 600 creditors close to $1.88 billion.
Toplace was placed into administration, owing 600 creditors close to $1.88 billion. (ABC News)
Mr Nassif also allegedly sought to damage the political career of then minister David Elliot.
In a statement to the ABC, the Liberal Party said it “would not be appropriate to comment on a current active ICAC inquiry”.
“The Liberal Party expects its members to meet the high standards demanded by this organisation, our membership and the public,”
a spokesperson said.
Labor councillors under investigation
ICAC will hold eight weeks of public hearings. (Supplied: Sydney Criminal Lawyers)
The third allegation concerns two Labor councillors at Strathfield Council; Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene.
The ICAC will investigate if they dishonestly exercised their duties and breached the public’s trust by blackmailing or illegally surveilling councillor Matthew Blackmore.
Assistant Commissioner the Hon Fabian Gleeson SC will preside at the public inquiry when it commences on July 27.
Counsel Assisting the Commission will be Dr Peggy Dwyer SC, Juliet Curtin and Hugo Wilesmith.
