Key facts
- Charles Perrottet is giving evidence at an Icac inquiry into alleged hidden payments from developer Jean Nassif.
- Texts suggest Perrottet was involved in a plot to damage the career of former Liberal minister David Elliott.
- Icac is investigating whether Nassif made a $2 million undeclared political donation to a Liberal-aligned group called the Reformers.
- Perrottet admitted to receiving remuneration for advice provided to Nassif, with payments directed to his wife, Anita Perrottet.
- The inquiry is examining potential links between payments and political outcomes, including the removal of former building commissioner David Chandler.
Charles Perrottet has begun giving evidence at an Independent Commission against Corruption (Icac) inquiry, which is investigating allegations of hidden payments from developer Jean Nassif and a potential political "hit job" against former Liberal minister David Elliott.
Perrottet told the commission that he met with Nassif, who is now a fugitive in Lebanon, in December 2019. He stated that over several years, he provided Nassif with advice on his developments and that they bonded over shared frustrations with Elliott, a rival within the Liberal party who had opposed some of Nassif's projects. Perrottet admitted to being remunerated for his advice, with payments directed to his wife, Anita Perrottet, while he maintained a full-time job at BP.
The inquiry is examining whether Nassif made a $2 million undeclared political donation to a group of Liberal-aligned conservatives known as the Reformers, including Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis. Icac is scrutinizing whether these funds were used to influence political outcomes, potentially including the removal of former NSW building commissioner David Chandler and the disendorsement of Liberal councillors who opposed Nassif's developments.
Anita Perrottet also testified, detailing substantial payments she received for consulting work, which she described as being a "sounding board." However, Icac has reportedly been unable to find documentation to support this work beyond invoices. She was also presented with evidence, including texts and photographs, suggesting a connection to Jean Nassif and his family.
Former minister Eleni Petinos stated she believed she was "used" in a campaign against her, and ex-building commissioner David Chandler described a whisper campaign aimed at his removal.