Members of Liberal group received ‘kickbacks’ from lobbying company’s Catholic Schools NSW contract, Icac hears

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is probing allegations that prohibited political donations were channeled through third parties to support a right-wing Liberal-aligned faction known as the NSW Reformers, with funds allegedly coming from Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW). A former member of the faction, lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood, testified that a text message he sent, referencing "filthy schools money" allegedly given to Jean-Claude Perrottet, was a "stupid joke."

Perrottet, brother of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, and a faction member, deleted the message from his phone. The ICAC is examining whether the "sham arrangements" were used to disguise political donations to fund the Liberal Party's recruitment efforts. Greenwood, on the third day of his testimony, stated that the joke was intended as a "stupid joke" with a friend about something that would make him "nervous to hear."

He later apologized for his behavior during the hearing, but was reminded to respect the decorum and respectful conduct expected of witnesses.