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<\/p>\nThe NSW corruption watchdog has heard claims senior Liberal figures discussed seeking financial backing for a right-wing factional group from now-federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.<\/p>\n
Former Liberal staffer Dylan Whitelaw fronted the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on the inquiry’s second day.<\/p>\n
Mr Whitelaw told the commission he became involved in the work of the right-wing faction known as the NSW Reformers when he was also working for Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW).<\/p>\n
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Former Liberal staffer Dylan Whitelaw was called as a witness on the second day of hearings. (Supplied: ICAC)<\/p>\n
The NSW Reformers are a conservative Christian Liberal factional group associated with several key figures in the inquiry, including founder and former Liberal powerbroker Christian Ellis, and Jean-Claude Perrottet, the brother of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet.<\/p>\n
Dominic Perrottet, who referred the allegations to ICAC in 2022, is not accused of any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n
Under questioning from Counsel Assisting Juliet Curtin, Mr Whitelaw was shown a screenshot sent from lobbyist Robert Assaf to a group chat that included Mr Whitelaw, Jean-Claude Perrottet and Mr Ellis.<\/p>\n
The screenshot was of a message exchange between CSNSW CEO Dallas McInerney and Mr Assaf.<\/p>\n
It read: “I have breakfast club with ministers this Thursday morning. Who can I get an update from? Re SCD progress in last six to 12 months.<\/p>\n
“I want to shake down Angus for 10k.”<\/p>\n
Mr Whitelaw said while he could not recall seeing the message, he assumed it was referring to federal Liberal MP, and now Opposition Leader, Angus Taylor.<\/p>\n
Mr Taylor is not accused of any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n
Mr Whitelaw said “SCD” stood for state council delegates and he believed the message referred to the NSW Reformers’ efforts to recruit more members.<\/p>\n
Counsel Assisting then asked Mr Whitelaw: “It appears, does it not, that Mr McInerney wanted an update on the Reformers’ progress, so he could seek a financial contribution from Angus Taylor to continue the Reformers’ work?”<\/p>\n
“I wouldn’t want to speculate that it appears that way on face value,” Mr Whitelaw replied.<\/p>\n
The inquiry was also shown another group chat message from Mr Whitelaw claiming Mr McInerney secured a $15,000 payment and ongoing monthly donations of $3,000 for the group’s work from Mr Taylor<\/p>\n
Under questioning from Counsel Assisting, Mr Whitelaw said he did not remember sending the message or the donation being made.<\/p>\n
“Potentially, Dallas (McInerney) had told me something that was incorrect,” Mr Whitelaw responded.<\/p>\n
“I’d be very surprised if Mr Taylor made any financial contribution.”<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for Mr Taylor said he was “not party to to the matters before the commission” and that he had not been “approached”.<\/p>\n
“These matters should be allowed to run their course free from political interference or commentary,” the spokesperson said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“As such the Leader will not be providing a running commentary on any matters before the commission.<\/p>\n
“Donations and fundraising activities are declared in accordance with the rules and are a matter for the Party.”<\/p>\n
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Hotelier Michael O’Hara told the ICAC key figures being investigated “obviously went off the track”. (ABC News: Timothy Ailwood)<\/p>\n
Earlier, a hotelier who helped fund the NSW Reformers, told the corruption watchdog he made a “mistake” trusting key figures at the centre of the bombshell investigation.<\/p>\n
Part of ICAC’s probe is examining whether Michael O’Hara, a prohibited donor, made political donations “in amounts that were not declared and exceeded applicable donation caps”.<\/p>\n
It is alleged he used a company called Paslibdan Pty Ltd to make the donations, disguised as consultancy payments, to help stack the Liberal Party with conservative members.<\/p>\n
Mr O’Hara, who was the first key witness in the Operation Rosny inquiry, said he was “absolutely astounded” and “disgusted” by allegations aired at the commission involving members of the NSW Reformers.<\/p>\n