Key facts
- Angus Taylor denies making any payments to the Reformers, a conservative Liberal group.
- Taylor stated he is not a party to the New South Wales ICAC proceedings.
- Evidence presented at the ICAC hearing included messages allegedly discussing a donation from 'Angus'.
- A former NSW Liberal parliamentary staffer testified he would be surprised if Taylor made a financial contribution.
- Taylor's office confirmed he has not been approached by the commission.
Federal opposition member Angus Taylor has denied making any payments to a conservative Liberal group known as the Reformers, which is currently under investigation by the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
During a press conference, Taylor stated, "I’m not a party to the proceedings. No payment was made." He added that he had not been approached by the commission and would not discuss hypothetical scenarios.
Taylor's statements follow evidence presented at the ICAC hearing by Dylan Whitelaw, a former NSW Liberal parliamentary staffer and associate of the Reformers. Whitelaw was shown screenshots of messages from March 2021, allegedly from Robert Assaf, a Reformers member, to a group chat including Whitelaw. One message read: “I want to shake down Angus for 10k.” Whitelaw assumed "Angus" referred to Angus Taylor and stated that "SCD progress" related to the Reformers' plan to elect conservative members to the NSW Liberals state council.
Another message, allegedly from Whitelaw days later, stated: “Dallas has told me he got the commitment from Angus, the 15k injection plus a 3k monthly donation!” Whitelaw testified that he did not recall sending the message and would be surprised if Taylor made any financial contribution, suggesting Dallas McInerney, chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, might have provided incorrect information.
A spokesperson for Taylor previously stated that he was "not a party to the matters before the commission, nor has he been approached." The spokesperson added that donations and fundraising activities are declared in accordance with rules and are a matter for the Party.
Other Liberal figures, including deputy Jane Hume and shadow treasurer Tim Wilson, declined to comment on the inquiry, emphasizing the need to let ICAC conduct its work without interference. Shadow minister for energy Dan Tehan and Liberal MP Mary Aldred also echoed sentiments that the commission should be allowed to proceed.