Former NSW minister calls for federal opposition leader to resign over ally’s ICAC links

A former NSW police minister said the federal opposition leader should resign because of his close ties to the head of Catholic Schools NSW, who stood aside after an anti-corruption body revealed an investigation into political donations. The commission announced on Wednesday that it would hold an eight-week public hearing starting July 27 into whether Liberal operatives solicited or accepted donations from prohibited donors, including property developer Jean Nassif and his company Toplace.

Inquiry details The commission said it would examine whether Catholic Schools NSW official Dallas McInerney signed off on illegal donations used to recruit Liberal Party members. It also named operatives Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, Robert Assaf, Jean-Claude Perrottet and Charles Perrottet in connection with the alleged conduct.

McInerney stood aside from his Catholic Schools NSW role on Thursday after earlier resigning from the NSW Education Standards Authority board. He said he offered to step aside to allow the organization’s work to continue.

Reactions The former police minister told the outlet that the federal opposition leader’s position as campaign treasurer for McInerney left both the leader and the party exposed. He warned that some NSW frontbenchers could also lose their positions once evidence is aired.

A former Strathfield Labor councillor named in the inquiry rejected the allegations against him and said those making accusations might later regret their statements. NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said anyone found corrupt would have no place in her team.

Premier Chris Minns said it was appropriate for the two Labor councillors named in the inquiry to be suspended from the party pending the investigation.