The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption is examining allegations that prohibited political donations were funneled through third parties to support the Liberal-aligned NSW Reformers, advancing the interests of fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. This alleged scheme, involving "filthy schools money," highlights the mechanisms of elite capture within the political establishment.
The inquiry heard members of the Reformers used companies, sham invoices, and consulting agreements to disguise these political donations. Payments were allegedly channeled through Catholic Schools NSW, an institution serving a specific community, raising questions about the diversion of resources.
Lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood's former company, Beckington, is also under scrutiny. It's alleged Beckington was used to disguise political donations as payments for lobbying and government relations work, obscuring the true source and intent of the funds.
At the inquiry's first hearing last month, a damning text exchange was presented. Mr. Greenwood told Jean-Claude Perrottet, "Hey, so you know I'm good to you and help you and give you your filthy schools money and put up with you f***ing whinging." Mr. Perrottet's reply, "Don't put that in writing," and Greenwood's assurance, "It deletes," were shown as evidence of deliberate concealment.
Jean-Claude Perrottet, brother of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet, was a member of the Reformers faction. Counsel assisting the commissioner, Peggy Dwyer SC, alleged the "filthy schools money" referred to payments from Catholic Schools NSW, intended to fund Liberal Party recruitment work. Dr. Dwyer stated this exchange would help prove main Reformers players knew "sham arrangements" were in use.
Elite Capture Exposed
Mr. Greenwood, on his third day of evidence, dismissed the text as a "stupid joke" with a friend. He claimed it was about something that would "make him nervous to hear," denying he knew it was "dodgy." This testimony, often evasive, required presiding Commissioner Fabian Gleeson SC to intervene multiple times, directing Mr. Greenwood to answer questions.
The hearing became tense when Mr. Greenwood faced questions about his dealings with Catholic Schools NSW. He turned to someone in the room, stating, "Don't give me that look." Commissioner Gleeson responded by reminding Mr. Greenwood of the need for respectful conduct and decorum as a witness.
The Cost of Deception
The commission also heard Mr. Perrottet deleted the message from his phone. Further evidence revealed Mr. Perrottet traveled to Fiji to avoid giving evidence in a 2023 parliamentary inquiry, receiving "financial assistance from others named" in the allegations.
Mr. Greenwood admitted to the ICAC on Wednesday that he paid for Mr. Perrottet's Fiji trip specifically to help him avoid being summonsed. This admission details the alleged lengths to which political operatives went to shield their associates from public scrutiny.
A security guard, organized by former Labor councillor Sharangan Maheswaran and likely paid by Mr. Nassif's company, was stationed outside Mr. Perrottet's home. This elaborate arrangement was designed to help him avoid contact by process servers, allegedly demonstrating a coordinated effort to obstruct justice and evade accountability.
The systematic use of third parties, sham invoices, and concealed payments to fund political recruitment work, allegedly through institutions like Catholic Schools NSW, points to a subversion of public trust. Such alleged machinations divert resources and trust from the community, funneling them into a political apparatus that prioritizes self-preservation over public service. The native working class, whose taxes and community contributions support these institutions, bears the ultimate cost of such elite maneuvering.