Charles Perrottet repeatedly denies taking payments from developer for political outcomes in Icac hearing

Charles Perrottet's Testimony

Charles Perrottet, brother of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet, has been a key figure in the Independent Commission Against Corruption's (Icac) inquiry into alleged corruption within the NSW Liberal party. His testimony has focused on his interactions with property developer Jean Nassif and the allegations of prohibited donations totaling $2 million between 2020 and 2023. Perrottet has consistently denied receiving these payments in exchange for political outcomes. He admitted to potentially misleading his friend Christian Ellis, who is also implicated, about the extent of political work being done, suggesting it was to "sound supportive." This admission has led to accusations from Icac counsel that Perrottet might be fabricating evidence to the commission, a claim he vehemently rejects.

Jean Nassif and Toplace

The inquiry is examining whether Nassif, through his company Toplace, provided donations to factional figures like Perrottet, Jeremy Greenwood, and Ellis in return for favorable political decisions or assistance with Liberal party branch stacking. Branch stacking, while not illegal in itself, is a practice that can influence internal party politics. Messages presented to the commission, including one from Greenwood to Ellis stating "Charles fucked this whole thing" after a Nassif development was refused, have put Perrottet's explanations under scrutiny. Perrottet claims he does not know the meaning of this specific message. He also denied recalling a conversation with NSW Liberal MP Robyn Preston, which was mentioned in a text as a step to assist Toplace developments.

Allegations of Fabrication and Financial Pressure

Further complicating Perrottet's testimony are exchanges involving Greenwood and Sharangan Maheswaran, a Toplace executive. In one message, Greenwood appears to pressure Nassif for payment, suggesting that "Charles is just going to cut the relationship" if agreements were not honored. Maheswaran's response indicated that Nassif "gives into threats." Perrottet, however, rejected the suggestion that Greenwood shared his view that Nassif "had to hand over the money in order to achieve the political outcomes." The "Back to Basics" group chat, created by Perrottet in August 2020 to discuss factional matters and recruitment, also came under discussion, with Perrottet supporting the idea of "more balance" in party branches but denying Nassif was financially supporting these efforts.