The corruption watchdog has heard that fugitive developer Jean Nassif allegedly sought to use former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet’s brothers to influence government decisions.
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating alleged breaches of state electoral funding laws and possible corrupt conduct.
The eight-week public inquiry, Operation Rosny, will examine allegations of unlawful political donations, including whether banned donations were concealed through third parties or companies, and whether they were used to recruit or renew NSW Liberal Party members.
In her opening statement on Monday, Counsel Assisting the Commission, Peggy Dwyer SC, said phone intercepts allegedly showed Jean Nassif was in contact with both Jean-Claude Perrottet and Charles Perrottet.
Dominic Perrottet, who referred the allegations to ICAC, is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Dr Dwyer said she was first alerted to allegations by NSW Police a day before the allegations were made public by MP Ray Williams, in a speech given under parliamentary privilege in June 2022.
“WhatsApp conversations and telephone interception indicated that Charles Perrottet may have used his position within the Liberal Party to benefit the business interests of Mr Nassif,” Dr Dwyer said.
It was alleged the fugitive developer, who fled to Lebanon, tried to leverage their connection to the former premier in an effort to have former building commissioner David Chandler removed.
Under NSW law, property developers and anyone donating on their behalf are prohibited from making political donations.
In her speech, Dr Dwyer said electoral funding laws were designed to promote public confidence in politicians.
“Money in politics, as in other spheres of life, has the potential to corrupt,” Dr Dwyer said.
“At a local, state and federal level, electoral funding laws play a vital role in minimising the risk of corruption by ensuring transparency and attempting to level the playing field.”
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