Key facts
- Charles Perrottet is being investigated by the NSW Icac over advice given to developer Jean Nassif.
- Allegations include a $2 million payment from Nassif to Perrottet and associates, potentially violating developer donation bans.
- The Icac is examining whether Perrottet had prior knowledge of and assisted with a fast-track approval policy for developments.
- Texts and meetings suggest discussions about a '1%' payment related to Nassif's fast-tracked properties.
- Perrottet admitted to exaggerating his influence and lying to Nassif about political actions.
- The investigation also covers alleged attempts to remove the NSW Building Commissioner and political councillors.
Charles Perrottet, brother of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, is facing intense scrutiny from the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) over his dealings with fugitive developer Jean Nassif. The Icac is investigating allegations that Charles Perrottet, along with Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis, received a $2 million payment from Nassif, potentially violating NSW's long-standing ban on political donations from developers.
During his testimony, Charles Perrottet was questioned about meetings and text messages that suggested he possessed advance knowledge of a NSW government policy to fast-track major development approvals. The Icac is probing whether he leveraged this information to benefit Nassif's projects. Perrottet has claimed he provided general advice through his consultancy firm, Beckington, and that payments were a 'thank you' to his wife, Anita, rather than payment for his services.
Central to the investigation is a meeting on December 11, 2019, where a '1%' payment, potentially linked to the value of Nassif's fast-tracked properties, was discussed. Texts exchanged between Greenwood and Ellis around this time alluded to the sensitive nature of the meeting. The NSW government, led by then-Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, introduced a fast-track approval process in April 2020 to stimulate the Covid-hit economy, a program that Nassif's developments in Castle Hill and Parramatta benefited from.
Charles Perrottet admitted to exaggerating his influence and occasionally lying to Nassif about his political maneuvering to encourage bill payments. He also acknowledged providing Nassif with updates on political developments. However, he denied suggesting he could influence outcomes regarding the Building Commissioner or political figures in exchange for payments related to specific projects, stating he was 'making a lot of this stuff up.'
The Icac is also examining allegations that Nassif sought political outcomes, such as the removal of NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, who had issued remediation orders against Nassif's buildings. Perrottet was questioned about a video concerning Chandler and an alleged extortion attempt against Nassif, stating he advised Nassif to report it to the police.