Icac Probes Liberal Operatives Over Disguised Developer Donations

The Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating whether Liberal Party operatives used consulting firms to disguise illegal donations from fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. The probe focuses on whether these payments were part of a joint criminal enterprise intended to secure political outcomes for Nassif, including the removal of the New South Wales building commissioner.

During testimony, Liberal powerbroker Charles Perrottet admitted to providing strategic advice to Nassif regarding industry lobbying and project approvals, specifically for a residential tower in Parramatta. Perrottet characterized this as friendly advice rather than professional work, noting he was employed full-time at BP. He acknowledged, however, that payments for this advice were directed to his wife, Anita Perrottet, through her firm, Macquarie Consulting.

Anita Perrottet testified that she received more than $550,000 from firms linked to Liberal operatives Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis. While she claimed the funds were for marketing work and that she was paid what she was worth, she was unable to provide documentation to evidence the work performed.