By Benson Daniel
A property developer facing scrutiny in a major corruption inquiry boasted that the then newly appointed New South Wales premier was his close friend and claimed he had influence over the state government, the Independent Commission Against Corruption has heard.
Jean Nassif made the claims during a secretly recorded telephone conversation shortly after Dominic Perrottet became premier in October 2021. The recording was played during proceedings involving allegations of political influence and prohibited donations linked to Nassif and his property company, Toplace.
Nassif was heard telling a friend that the premier was his best friend and suggesting that he had political connections that would benefit his property interests. He also claimed he had influence within the state government and expected development applications to be approved regularly.
The comments formed part of evidence presented during ICAC’s investigation into allegations that Nassif provided about A$2 million in prohibited political donations between 2020 and 2023 through individuals and companies associated with him.
The commission is examining whether the alleged payments were intended to secure political outcomes favourable to Nassif and his property developments. Among the issues under investigation are claims that political pressure was directed at former NSW minister David Elliott and former building commissioner David Chandler, both of whom had been involved in matters affecting Nassif’s interests.
Dominic Perrottet, however, has not been accused of wrongdoing in the investigation. His brother, Charles Perrottet, is among the people facing scrutiny and appeared before the commission on Thursday.
Charles Perrottet dismissed Nassif’s claims about his relationship with the former premier as exaggerated statements designed to portray himself as more influential than he was.
Asked about the recorded conversation, Charles Perrottet described the developer’s comments as “bravado” and said they were far fetched. He rejected suggestions that Nassif genuinely had the level of access or influence he claimed.
The inquiry also heard evidence concerning a meeting between Charles Perrottet and Nassif at a Melbourne restaurant in May 2021. Following that meeting, Charles Perrottet allegedly wrote that one way to deal with building commissioner David Chandler was to target David Elliott politically and weaken his position within the Liberal Party.
Investigators are examining whether such political manoeuvring was connected to financial arrangements involving Nassif and people working on his behalf.
The evidence has also brought renewed attention to communications between Charles Perrottet and other Liberal figures. Messages presented to the commission allegedly discussed efforts to assist Nassif’s developments and secure political outcomes while maintaining relationships with his property business.
Charles Perrottet has denied accepting payments from Nassif in exchange for political outcomes. He has previously said that he sometimes gave Nassif advice with what he described as a political flavour while pursuing payments for legitimate lobbying work carried out by a consultancy connected to other individuals involved in the inquiry.
The commission has also heard allegations concerning payments made to companies connected to Charles Perrottet’s wife, Anita Perrottet. She has previously denied that the payments were linked to political donations, describing them as compensation for strategic and marketing advice.
Nassif, who left Australia for Lebanon in 2022, has previously denied wrongdoing. He was expected to give evidence to ICAC by video link but withdrew from the scheduled appearance after providing a medical certificate.
The inquiry is continuing, with investigators examining whether political relationships, financial payments and lobbying activities were improperly connected to decisions affecting property developments.
The case has placed renewed focus on the relationship between Australia’s property industry and political parties, particularly the influence developers can seek to exercise through donations, lobbying and personal connections.
As further witnesses are expected to appear before the commission, ICAC will determine whether the allegations amount to corrupt conduct and whether any individuals or organisations should face further action.
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