ICAC hears evidence of $254,666 paid to Anita Perrottet for three months of work
The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) heard evidence that Anita Perrottet received $254,666 for three months of consulting work in 2022. Perrottet is the wife of Charles Perrottet, a member of the Liberal Party-linked right-wing faction NSW Reformers and the brother of former New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet.
As ABC News Australia reports, ICAC is investigating allegations that prohibited political donations may have been channelled through third parties to support the NSW Reformers and benefit developer Jean Nassif, who is evading justice.
Review of payments
The commission is examining payments to Anita Perrottet's Macquarie Consulting from Beckington and JPG Advisory, businesses linked to lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood. ICAC is determining whether the payments were for genuine consulting services or may have been used to conceal funds that, according to the investigation's case, were intended for Charles Perrottet.
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Anita Perrottet said she mostly provided verbal advice on marketing and strategy. At the same time, she recalled little about documentation that would confirm the work performed. Commission counsel Peggy Dwyer questioned whether the amount of the payments matched the services described, but Perrottet insisted that her evidence was truthful.
Retainer and invoices
Perrottet also said she received a monthly retainer of $10,000 from Beckington without a written or signed agreement. According to her, she mainly advised Greenwood during in-person meetings or telephone conversations. Dwyer said the commission had found no evidence of telephone calls between them during the relevant periods.
The commission was also shown a $150,000 Macquarie Consulting invoice for 12 months of work for Beckington, which was sent by Charles Perrottet. Anita Perrottet could not recall why the invoice was issued, why it was sent by her husband, or why three one-off payments from Beckington did not match its amount. ICAC ordered her to provide phone records and messages related to Greenwood and lobbyist Christian Ellis. Her evidence will continue on Friday, after which Charles Perrottet is due to appear before the commission. Dominic Perrottet is not accused of wrongdoing.
