ICAC: Lobbyist wanted developer cash for ex-premier Dominic Perrottet's brother Jean Claude
A lobbyist who retained a controversial fugitive property developer as a client asked for an ex-premier's brother to be paid by him, a probe had heard.
An ex-premier’s brother demanded money from lobbyists flush with cash from a fugitive property developer, an inquiry has been told.
Jeremy Greenwood, co-founder of the lobbying firm and who previously worked for Nationals leader Matt Canavan, gave evidence at the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption for a third day.
ICAC’s Operation Rosny is probing alleged illicit political donations and branch-stacking spearheaded by the Reformers - a conservative Christian faction among NSW Liberals.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Jean Nassif, who has a warrant out for his arrest over fraud allegations, transferred money to advisory firm Beckington, which retained him as a client.
Nassif, who is believed to have fled Australia to Lebanon, was codenamed ‘Concord’ by the lobbyists.
In a message to business partner Christian Ellis in August 2020, Mr Greenwood implored him to pay money owed to Jean-Claude Perrottet, brother of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet.
“You need to give Claude this full amount considering what Concord gives - it’s not right he doesn’t get it,” Mr Greenwood’s message to Mr Ellis read.
Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer grilled the 37-year-old lobbyist and alleged the funds were for Liberal Party membership recruitment undertaken by Jean-Claude Perrottet for the Reformers.
“This was not about helping out a friend who was skint ... it wasn’t a favour, it was about you trying to get Mr Ellis to give him an amount that was committed to him for the recruitment?” she asked.
Mr Greenwood denied a scheme to funnel funds for factional work was at play.
Dr Dwyer continued reading another message he sent.
“Even if it comes out of Beckington, it’s not right he’s owed it,” Mr Greenwood implored Mr Ellis.
The lobbyist maintained he was helping out a close friend and had no concerns funds were being debited from the firm’s business account.
Dr Dwyer questioned the veracity of his testimony.
“I am giving honest answers,” Mr Greenwood replied.
On Tuesday, Mr Greenwood denied a dirt file on former police minister David Elliott was drafted to assist Nassif and his company Toplace.
The damaging dossier contained false allegations of Mr Elliott engaging in an extra-marital affair, which Dr Dwyer labelled a “gross breach of privacy”.
Nassif’s building empire Toplace collapsed owing billions to creditors.
Dr Dwyer also outlined an alleged scheme where Beckington would secure money from pub baron Michael O’Hara and pay $5000 monthly to Jean-Claude Perrottet.
She alleged the scheme involved fake invoices and labelled the arrangement “bogus”.
