The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) has announced a public inquiry into corruption allegations against individuals associated with the NSW Liberal party, including fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. The inquiry is expected to run for eight weeks from late July.
Allegations and Scope
Icac is investigating three key allegations. The first involves Liberal figures or lobbyists Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, Robert Assaf, and Jean-Claude Perrottet allegedly soliciting or accepting donations, including from prohibited donors, to recruit or renew party members—a practice known as branch stacking. Donations from Catholic Schools NSW, allegedly arranged by CEO Dallas McInerney, and from Paslibdan Pty Ltd on behalf of hotelier Michael O'Hara are also under scrutiny.
The second allegation concerns Nassif and his company Toplace, which is prohibited from donating as a property developer. Between 2020 and 2023, Nassif allegedly made donations solicited or accepted by Ellis, Greenwood, and Charles Perrottet in exchange for outcomes sought by Nassif, including damaging the political career of former transport minister David Elliott and removing building commissioner David Chandler.
The third allegation involves two Labor Strathfield councillors, Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene, accused of engaging in dishonest conduct towards fellow councillor Matthew Blackmore, including possible blackmail and breaches of the Surveillance Devices Act.
Key Individuals
Jean Nassif, whose company Toplace collapsed in 2023, left Australia for Lebanon in 2022 after defects were found in his developments. An arrest warrant was issued in June 2023 for alleged financial wrongdoing, but he has not been charged. Jean-Claude and Charles Perrottet, brothers of former Liberal premier Dominic Perrottet, are power brokers in the Liberal right faction and have denied wrongdoing. Christian Ellis is a former Liberal state executive member, while Jeremy Greenwood runs a lobbying firm. Dallas McInerney, CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, has stood aside during the investigation. Robert Assaf, a former communications manager for Catholic Schools NSW, and Michael O'Hara, a prohibited donor, are also named.
Maheswaran, a former lawyer for Nassif, served as a Labor councillor until 2025, while Pensabene is a current councillor. Maheswaran stated he is confident his actions will be deemed lawful.
Political Impact
The inquiry comes eight months before the March 2027 NSW state election. NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane described it as a "massive distraction and incredible disappointment" and confirmed suspensions of Liberal members named in the allegations. The party stated it expects high standards from its members. The investigation could damage the Liberal party as One Nation gains support, polling at 22% compared to the Coalition's 26% in a recent Resolve poll.
Icac has previously investigated Liberal leaders, including former premier Gladys Berejiklian, whose probe led to her resignation in 2021.
