Key facts
- Two Liberal operatives allegedly discussed using developer payments to buy a Porsche or Ferrari.
- Lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood testified at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac).
- Greenwood, Charles Perrottet, and Christian Ellis are accused of receiving illegal political donations from developer Jean Nassif.
- Icac alleges payments were used to influence political outcomes, including council removal and targeting a building commissioner.
- The operatives were allegedly offered $1 million per project for fast-track development approvals.
Two Liberal operatives allegedly discussed using payments received from developer Jean Nassif to purchase luxury vehicles, including a Porsche or Ferrari. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) heard evidence that these funds were part of alleged illegal political donations intended to influence political outcomes and secure approvals for Toplace projects.
Lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood, a principal of Beckington Consulting, testified that he, along with Charles Perrottet (brother of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet) and Christian Ellis, allegedly shared in $2 million in payments from Nassif. Icac alleges these payments were used to achieve political objectives, such as the removal of the Hills Shire council and attempts to remove building commissioner David Chandler, who had placed prohibition orders on Nassif's developments due to defects.
During the hearings, Greenwood recounted text exchanges with Ellis where they discussed desired cars, specifically a Porsche 911 and a red Ferrari, with price tags around $280,000. Greenwood eventually agreed they settled on a Porsche, though not the most expensive model. Icac counsel Peggy Dwyer suggested this exchange stemmed from a meeting where Nassif, Charles Perrottet, and Greenwood discussed substantial payments for fast-tracking Nassif's developments.
Greenwood confirmed that the trio were offered $1 million per project if their developments were accepted for the fast-track process. Several projects were mentioned, including developments in Parramatta, Castle Hill, Mascot, and Cherrybrook. An agreement for these payments was reportedly documented on a scrap of pink paper. Greenwood stated that this was characteristic of Nassif's business dealings. Disagreements reportedly arose over payments for the Garthowen project. The approval for the 189 Macquarie Street, Parramatta project occurred around August 2020.
Discussions also occurred regarding paying Charles Perrottet's share to his wife, Anita, through her company Macquarie Consulting. These alleged payments were in addition to a $30,000 monthly retainer Beckington had with Toplace. Greenwood denied that these specific payments were for political outcomes, asserting they were solely for 'delivery' of services. However, earlier testimony indicated discussions between Greenwood and Ellis about facilitating Ellis's mother's appointment to a deputy mayoralty.