Reformers group under ICAC investigation for Liberal Party branch stacking
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating allegations of illegal donations and branch stacking within the Liberal Party, focusing on a group known as the Reformers.
In July 2018, the Reformers—a group of right-wing Catholics—successfully took control of the Coffs Harbour branch, which is the only branch in the Cowper federal electorate. Co-founder Robert Assaf reportedly celebrated the move as a victory over the party's left wing. Documents reveal that hotelier Michael O’Hara donated $25,000 to the group.
The inquiry is also examining Dallas McInerney, the head of Catholic Schools NSW, to determine if organizational funds were used through bogus consulting invoices to finance the Reformers. The group's activities were allegedly part of a strategy to replace Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells with McInerney in the political hierarchy.
Entities
Concetta Fierravanti-Wells · Dallas McInerney · Independent Commission Against Corruption · Liberal Party of Australia · Robert Assaf
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Reformers group successfully took control of the Coffs Harbour Liberal branch in July 2018. www.theage.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Dallas McInerney is a person of interest in an ICAC inquiry regarding the potential use of Catholic Schools NSW funds to bankroll the Reformers. www.theage.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Reformers allegedly plotted to replace Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells with Dallas McInerney. www.theage.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Hotelier Michael O’Hara donated $25,000 to the Reformers. www.theage.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating illegal donations and branch stacking. www.theage.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au