The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) heard evidence on Wednesday from Dylan Whitelaw, a former Liberal staffer and associate of the secretive rightwing Reformers sub-faction, about a document targeting former police minister David Elliott.
Document Details
Whitelaw admitted compiling a document titled 'David Elliot shit sheet.docx' in 2021 at the request of Jeremy Greenwood, while working at a public relations company owned by Greenwood and Christian Ellis. The document included references to unflattering articles about Elliott, including an incident where he fired an illegal firearm at a corrections department firing range as police minister.
Whitelaw said he did not recall writing a section suggesting Elliott had an extramarital affair, claiming it might have been added later. He said the affair allegation was kept very secretive by Greenwood and Ellis.
Donations Under Scrutiny
Icac is investigating allegations that the Reformers took undeclared political donations from banned donors, including developers and hoteliers. Evidence has emerged that Catholic Schools NSW made undeclared payments totalling $260,000, and hotelier Michael O'Hara contributed more than $150,000. Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC hinted at further revelations about $2 million paid by fugitive developer Jean Nassif to key players.
Whitelaw rejected the suggestion that the dossier was prepared to further Nassif's interests, initially describing it as 'standard factional warfare'. However, on reflection, he agreed that appeared to be the case.
Factional Warfare or Dirty Tricks?
Whitelaw also gave evidence about a video of building commissioner David Chandler, which he said chief of staff Christopher Spence claimed showed Chandler in an unflattering light. Spence allegedly gave the video to Liberal MP Eleni Petinos to use in a parliamentary committee, but later said 'Eleni fucked it up'. Neither Spence nor Petinos have been named as subjects of the investigation.
Angus Taylor Denies Payments
Federal opposition leader Angus Taylor faced questions about text exchanges suggesting he contributed to the Reformers. One text from Whitelaw to a WhatsApp group claimed the head of Catholic Schools NSW said Taylor was tipping in $15,000 plus $3,000 a month. Another screenshot indicated plans to 'shake down Angus for $10k'. Taylor insisted no payment was made, stating: 'I'm not a party to the proceedings, but no payment was made.' He is not under investigation.
Whitelaw said he was sure he never received a bonus of $8,000 referred to in the texts. Elliott, who is not under investigation, denied the affair, saying he is a devoted husband and looked forward to giving evidence if invited.
