ICAC Opens Inquiry Into Developer Donations And Liberal Party Figures

The Independent Commission Against Corruption announced a public inquiry into alleged connections between fugitive Sydney property developer Jean Nassif and several Liberal Party figures. The investigation will examine whether prohibited political donations were solicited or accepted by party members between 2020 and 2023.

The inquiry will also review donations approved by the chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW and conduct by two Strathfield Labor councillors. It will cover relationships between developers and local councils as well as possible breaches of donation caps and disclosure rules.

ICAC confirmed that the probe will include the chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, Nassif, hotelier Michael O’Hara, and certain Strathfield councillors. It will examine whether donations from Nassif’s company Toplace were used in a scheme to recruit or renew party memberships.

The commission stated it will investigate claims that the donations were intended to damage the political career of former Liberal MP David Elliott and remove the then-building commissioner from office. Two Strathfield Labor councillors are also named in allegations of conduct that could breach public trust or involve blackmail.

Minns plans to request that the two Labor councillors be suspended from the ALP. The chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW has resigned from the state’s curriculum and assessment authority board. A Liberal Party spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment on an active ICAC inquiry and that members are expected to meet high standards.

The inquiry is scheduled to run for eight weeks and is expected to have consequences for the NSW Liberal Party ahead of the next state election.