The federal opposition leader, Angus Taylor, has been named as a potential donor to a conservative Liberal group now under investigation by the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac). Taylor himself is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Icac hearings reveal alleged donation requests
During the second day of Operation Rosny hearings on Tuesday, evidence emerged suggesting that Taylor may have been solicited for donations by a group known as the “Reformers”. The inquiry is examining allegations of corruption against individuals associated with the NSW Liberal party, including claims that the Reformers solicited or accepted donations from prohibited donors, in amounts that were undeclared or exceeded caps, to recruit or renew party members.
Former NSW Liberal parliamentary staffer Dylan Whitelaw, who is not named in Icac’s allegations, gave evidence in Sydney. He was shown a screenshot of a message from Catholic Schools NSW chief executive Dallas McInerney, sent by Reformers member Robert Assaf to a group chat in March 2021. The message read: “I have breakfast club with ministers this Thursday morning, who can I get an update from? Re SCD [state council delegate] progress in the last six to 12 months. I want to shake down Angus for 10k.”
Whitelaw testified that he assumed “Angus” referred to Angus Taylor and that “SCD progress” referred to the Reformers’ plan to elect conservative members to the NSW Liberals state council.
Whitelaw’s testimony on alleged donations
Whitelaw was also shown another message, allegedly from him, stating: “Dallas has told me he got the commitment from Angus, the 15k injection plus a 3k monthly donation!” Whitelaw said he did not recall sending the message or Taylor making any financial contribution. He added, “Potentially, Dallas had told me something that was incorrect. I’d be very surprised if Mr Taylor made any financial contribution.”
When asked if the purported donations were for the Reformers’ work, Whitelaw replied: “I would draw that conclusion from the fact it’s in a Reformers group chat but I don’t have a recollection around it.” He also stated that he believed Taylor was aware of the Reformers’ activities, but “not in much detail”.
Taylor’s response and other evidence
A spokesperson for Taylor said he was “not a party to the matters before the commission, nor has he been approached”. The spokesperson added: “These matters should be allowed to run their course free from political interference or commentary. As such, the leader will not be providing a running commentary on any matters before the commission. Donations and fundraising activities are declared in accordance with the rules and are a matter for the party.”
In a statement reported by the Sydney Morning Herald on 2 July, McInerney, a factional ally of Taylor, said he had offered to stand aside “to allow the work of Catholic Schools NSW to continue its important mission”.
The inquiry also heard from hotelier Michael O’Hara, who is prohibited from making political donations due to his involvement in the liquor industry. O’Hara is alleged to have paid $165,000 to the Reformers between 2018 and 2023. He expressed disgust at the scheme, saying he had no knowledge of where his payments ended up. O’Hara admitted making payments to registered lobbyist Beckington, founded by Reformers member Christian Ellis, and to a company controlled by Jean-Claude Perrottet, the younger brother of former Liberal premier Dominic Perrottet, to support branch-stacking efforts under the guise of financial advice or consulting services.
Political reactions and ongoing hearings
Current NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane described the first day of hearings as “intensely uncomfortable listening” and stood by her comments that shadow attorney general Damien Tudehope, who has stood aside after being called as a witness, is a “man of integrity”. NSW Premier Chris Minns said there would be no “gloating or taking political advantage” of the inquiry, adding: “It’s an important process. And ultimately, hopefully, it makes all political parties cleaner and sends a message to anyone who’s thinking of breaching the laws or committing a corrupt act that someone’s watching.”
Icac’s hearings continue on Wednesday, with Whitelaw expected to give further evidence.
