ICAC examines Catholic Schools NSW payments to Liberal-linked consultants

The Independent Commission Against Corruption is examining whether Catholic Schools NSW made payments to consultants that were later used for undeclared political donations exceeding legal limits. The commission's Operation Rosny focuses on whether those payments were arranged and approved by chief executive Dallas McInerney.

The inquiry also covers whether Liberal Party figures Christian Ellis, Robert Assaf and Jeremy Greenwood solicited or accepted donations from prohibited donors.

Background on the investigation Catholic Schools NSW distributes $3.5 billion in state and federal funding annually and raises more than $550 million in school fees. The commission has identified ten people of interest, four of whom have links to the organization through lobbying, contracting or employment.

Jeremy Greenwood has served as a registered lobbyist for Catholic Schools NSW through his firm JPG Advisory. Jean-Claude Perrottet worked as head of communications and stakeholder relations at the organization for more than two years before resigning last month.

Robert Assaf previously held a policy and communications role there.

Jean-Claude and Charles Perrottet, stepped down from the Catholic Schools NSW board. Opposition upper house leader Damien Tudehope resigned from the Liberal frontbench after being called as a witness. Catholic Schools NSW stated that the board approved interim governance arrangements under which McInerney would temporarily step aside from day-to-day responsibilities.

The organization said it expects to argue that it did not make political donations. Public hearings are scheduled to begin July 27.