NSW ICAC probes Reformers faction over illegal donations and branch‑stacking
The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is conducting an eight‑week inquiry, Operation Rosny, into alleged illegal political donations and branch‑stacking by the right‑wing “Reformers” faction within the NSW Liberal Party. Key figures include co‑founder Robert Assaf, who testified that fake invoices were used for a “tricky” tax scheme, and lobbying firm Beckington, which allegedly issued invoices for services that were never performed. Hotelier Michael O’Hara is reported to have funneled funds through Beckington to support the Reformers, while a Westpac account initially opened in the Reformers’ name was later used to channel the donations.
The inquiry also focuses on branch‑stacking activities linked to Jean‑Claude Perrottet, brother of former premier Dominic Perrottet, and alleged undeclared funding to hidden accounts. Property developer Jean Nassif is under police investigation, with a warrant issued for his arrest and dozens of related companies in administration. ICAC Commissioner Fabian Gleeson questioned Assaf repeatedly about the honesty of issuing sham invoices and the overall conduct of the Reformers group.
Entities: Beckington · Christian Ellis · Damien Tudehope · Independent Commission Against Corruption · Jean Nassif · Jean-Claude Perrottet · Jean‑Claude Perrottet · Michael O’Hara · Reformers · Robert Assaf
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 7 SOURCES] ICAC is investigating alleged illegal political donations and branch‑stacking by the Reformers group within the NSW Liberal Party. (all)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Jean‑Claude Perrottet, brother of former premier Dominic Perrottet, is accused of involvement in branch‑stacking and funneling undeclared funds. (all)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Hotelier Michael O’Hara made donations via Beckington to support the Reformers. (all)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Robert Assaf co‑founded the Reformers and testified that fake invoices were used for a ‘tricky’ tax scheme. (all)
- [● 4 SOURCES] ICAC Commissioner Fabian Gleeson questioned Robert Assaf about the honesty of the invoice scheme. (all)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A Westpac account was initially set up in the name of the Reformers and later used to funnel donations. (all)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Property developer Jean Nassif is under police investigation for alleged links to the Reformers’ activities. (all)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Beckington issued invoices for consultancy services that were not performed. (all)
- [● 7 SOURCES] ICAC is investigating alleged illegal political donations and branch‑stacking by the Reformers faction within the NSW Liberal Party. (all)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Hotelier Michael O’Hara donated money to the Reformers via the lobbying firm Beckington. (all)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Robert Assaf, co‑founder of the Reformers, testified that fake invoices were used for a “tricky” tax scheme. (all)
- [● 5 SOURCES] ICAC commissioner Fabian Gleeson questioned Robert Assaf about the honesty of issuing fake invoices. (all)