Key facts
- Charles Perrottet, brother of Dominic Perrottet, allegedly shared damaging information to assist property developer Jean Nassif.
- The information included secret audio recordings, one of which purportedly criticized former NSW Liberal minister David Elliott.
- Chris Spence, former chief of staff to MP Anthony Roberts, testified at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
- The ICAC is investigating whether Liberal figures received donations from Nassif in exchange for political outcomes.
- Former building commissioner David Chandler and former minister David Elliott were allegedly targeted.
- Charles Perrottet is expected to give evidence to the commission later this week.
Lawyers assisting the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) alleged that Charles Perrottet, brother of former New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet, shared damaging information, including secret audio recordings, to benefit fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. Chris Spence, a former Liberal MP and staffer, testified that Perrottet may have been acting in Nassif's interests when he shared two audio files in 2021.
The first recording allegedly captured Nassif discussing an arrangement for an occupation certificate in exchange for money, accompanied by text messages requesting payment. The second recording, taken from someone's pocket, purportedly featured former NSW Liberal minister David Elliott criticizing Dominic Perrottet, who was then poised to become premier. Spence described the second recording as Charles Perrottet "ventilating dirt" about Nassif's adversaries.
The ICAC is investigating whether Liberal figures received donations from Nassif and his company Toplace in exchange for political outcomes, such as the removal of former building commissioner David Chandler and damage to Elliott's career. Chandler, who will appear before the inquiry later, is not accused of wrongdoing. Last week, Elliott testified that Nassif targeted him after he opposed his developments.
Spence admitted that upon reflection, the actions would appear to be Perrottet furthering Nassif's interests, though he stated this was not his view at the time. He also described Charles Perrottet as intelligent and strategic, and rejected the suggestion that he was a "conduit" to his brother, Dominic Perrottet.
Evidence from former fair trading minister Eleni Petinos and her former chief of staff, Cassandra Lawry, was also presented. Petinos stated she may have been used by fellow Liberals, including Spence and Charles Perrottet, to remove Chandler. Lawry testified that Spence showed her a video of Chandler and text messages related to an alleged extortion attempt. Spence confirmed showing Lawry the video but denied knowledge of Nassif when receiving the audio files.