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Former NSW premier's brother Charles Perrottet accused of lying to ICAC
Australia🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive3 hr. ago

Former NSW premier's brother Charles Perrottet accused of lying to ICAC

The brother of former New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet, Charles Perrottet, is facing accusations of lying to the state's corruption watchdog, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), regarding his communications with fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. During a public inquiry, Perrottet provided conflicting accounts of messages he exchanged with Nassif, including claims about seeking support for property developers and discussing preselections within the Liberal Party. Counsel assisting the ICAC, Peggy Dwyer SC, accused Perrottet of altering his story under scrutiny, suggesting he was trying to justify apparent attempts to solicit money from Nassif. Perrottet denied the allegations, asserting both versions of his actions could be true. The inquiry also examined other messages where Perrottet allegedly fabricated contacts to maintain Nassif's favor, with Dwyer questioning his motives. Perrottet’s wife, Anita, was also interviewed by the ICAC earlier in the process.

Charles Perrottet, a former influential figure in the Liberal Party, testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that he frequently misled a disgraced property developer, Jean Nassif, to secure payments for his associates. Perrottet appeared before the commission on Monday, detailing how he used his personal connection with Nassif to assist Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis in obtaining funds owed to their company, Beckington. The inquiry is examining whether Nassif, currently in Lebanon and facing serious fraud charges, illegally funded the Liberal Party. Nassif is set to testify remotely from Beirut later in the week. During his testimony, Perrottet described attending the Longueville Hotel in January 2021, where Sharangan Maheswaran, Nassif's legal representative, allegedly handed a cheque to either Greenwood or Ellis. Perrottet claimed he did not inquire about the amount on the cheque and was unaware of its value. He explained that they chose the pub due to its proximity to his residence and because he was scheduled to fly to Melbourne the following day. When questioned about recalling the cheque being given to Greenwood or Ellis, Perrottet initially affirmed that he believed it occurred. Dr. Peggy Dwyer, counsel assisting the commission, presented photographs taken on Perrottet’s phone the morning after the meeting. One image depicted an envelope addressed to Beckington with the sum of $148,000 clearly marked on the front. Dwyer challenged Perrottet, noting that if the payment had indeed been made at the hotel, there would be no need to photograph the envelope the next day. Perrottet conceded that he might have been mistaken. Anita Perrottet, Charles’s wife, had previously testified before the ICAC earlier in the week. Later, Louie Douvis Perrottet suggested that Greenwood might not have attended the pub meeting, proposing instead that Perrottet delivered the cheque directly to Greenwood’s home. Earlier in the proceedings, Perrottet was shown a text message he sent to Nassif requesting a meeting to seek assistance with a preselection process. Nassif’s company, Toplace, has since gone bankrupt and owes approximately $2 billion to its creditors. Perrottet stated that he was attempting to recover outstanding payments for Beckington and mentioned preselection processes to imply that Nassif’s money was being utilized for political purposes. He admitted to fabricating statements to convey how Nassif could be supportive. “I think I was trying to describe, you know, how he could be supportive. Like I made it up,” Perrottet said during his testimony. He further indicated that he provided political updates to motivate Nassif to settle his debts, although he clarified that the funds were not actually allocated as political contributions. Counsel assisting the commission, Dr. Peggy Dwyer, questioned Perrottet about his apparent efforts to avoid acknowledging the implications of receiving money from Nassif. Perrottet disagreed with her interpretation. Perrottet disclosed that he informed Nassif he would make calls on his behalf regarding one of his projects and that he would meet with a contact to address concerns related to Nassif. However, he admitted that this contact did not exist. “Ultimately, I made it up,” Perrottet stated. Additionally, he revealed that some of his communications with Nassif contained falsehoods, particularly those involving plans to expedite development projects. Perrottet added that he incorporated a “political flavor” into these messages to maintain Nassif’s favor. Perrottet cited two primary motivations for his actions: one was his involvement in seeking evidence related to alleged activities in the Hills area that raised concerns. His testimony continues to unfold as the investigation delves deeper into the intricate web of relationships and financial dealings surrounding the case.

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The Age logoThe AgeIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 702 days ago
What we learnt from ICAC’s Operation Rosny this week

The article discusses findings from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)'s Operation Rosny in New South Wales, which is investigating parts of the NSW Liberal Party, Catholic Schools NSW, and business figures in Sydney. The investigation is part of ongoing efforts to uncover potential corruption or misconduct within these organizations. The article provides insights into developments during the fifth week of the operation, highlighting key revelations and implications.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about an official investigation without overtly favoring any political side. It focuses on the scope of the inquiry and does not exhibit clear bias through language or sourcing.

Why factuality (65): The article reports on Operation Rosny as conducted by the ICAC, mentioning the entities under investigation (NSW Liberal Party, Catholic Schools NSW, and business figures in Sydney). It references Alexandra Smith as an expert providing analysis. While the information aligns with the cross-source co

Why objectivity (70): The tone remains professional and informative, focusing on reporting the findings of Operation Rosny. There is no overt bias or emotional language, though the article frames the investigation in a way that suggests ongoing scrutiny of political and business interests, which may subtly imply potentia

The Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 702 days ago
What we learnt from ICAC’s Operation Rosny this week

The ICAC's Operation Rosny is investigating parts of the NSW Liberal Party, Catholic Schools NSW, and business figures in Sydney. The article outlines what was learned during week five of the operation, though specific findings are not detailed in the provided text. The focus appears to be on potential misconduct or irregularities within these groups, with Alexandra Smith providing commentary on the developments.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about an ongoing investigation without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It focuses on reporting the existence of the investigation and what was learned, without taking a clear ideological position or emphasizing one side over another.

Why factuality (65): This article mirrors the content of the first article, reporting on Operation Rosny and the entities involved. It does not add new information but confirms the same facts. Without a primary source document, the accuracy of specific claims cannot be independently verified, leading to a moderate factu

Why objectivity (70): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the information without apparent bias. However, like the first article, it frames the investigation in a manner that emphasizes the involvement of political and business entities, which could be seen as slightly suggestive of potential misconduct.

ABC News (Australia) logoABC News (Australia)State / PublicProgressive3 hr. ago
Former NSW premier's brother Charles Perrottet accused of lying to ICAC

The brother of former New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet, Charles Perrottet, is facing accusations of lying to the state's corruption watchdog, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), regarding his communications with fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. During a public inquiry, Perrottet provided conflicting accounts of messages he exchanged with Nassif, including claims about seeking support for property developers and discussing preselections within the Liberal Party. Counsel assisting the ICAC, Peggy Dwyer SC, accused Perrottet of altering his story under scrutiny, suggesting he was trying to justify apparent attempts to solicit money from Nassif. Perrottet denied the allegations, asserting both versions of his actions could be true. The inquiry also examined other messages where Perrottet allegedly fabricated contacts to maintain Nassif's favor, with Dwyer questioning his motives. Perrottet’s wife, Anita, was also interviewed by the ICAC earlier in the process.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the allegations against Charles Perrottet in a manner that emphasizes potential misconduct and ethical violations, using language that suggests deliberate deception and conflict of interest. While the facts are presented neutrally, the focus on Perrottet's alleged dishonesty and '

The Age logoThe AgeIndependentProgressive6 hr. ago
Charles Perrottet says he repeatedly lied to developer Jean Nassif to help his mates

Former Liberal Party powerbroker Charles Perrottet testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that he lied to disgraced property developer Jean Nassif to help his associates recover money owed to their company Beckington. Perrottet claimed he facilitated payments by leveraging his relationship with Nassif, but inconsistencies emerged during questioning. Counsel presented photos showing a $148,000 cheque to Beckington, which Perrottet initially claimed was handed over at a pub meeting but later admitted he might have taken the photo the next day. Further contradictions arose when Perrottet's wife and son suggested the payment may have been delivered directly to Greenwood's home. Nassif, who fled to Lebanon and faces fraud charges, is set to testify via video link. His company Toplace has collapsed, leaving billions in debt.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Perrottet's actions as deceptive and politically motivated, emphasizing his attempts to manipulate Nassif for personal gain while downplaying any legitimate political contributions. The focus on alleged misuse of influence and financial impropriety aligns with a left-leaning lens,

The Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenter6 hr. ago
Charles Perrottet says he repeatedly lied to developer Jean Nassif to help his mates

Charles Perrottet, a former Liberal Party powerbroker, testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that he lied to property developer Jean Nassif about political representations to secure payments for his associates, Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis. Perrottet claimed he used his relationship with Nassif to help Greenwood and Ellis recover money owed to their company, Beckington. During the hearing, Perrottet admitted he did not know the amount of a $148,000 cheque handed to Greenwood or Ellis during a meeting at the Longueville Hotel. He later retracted his initial claim that the cheque was handed over at the hotel, acknowledging he might have been mistaken. Perrottet also stated he fabricated stories about using the funds for political purposes to pressure Nassif into paying his debts, though he clarified the money was not actually used for political donations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents testimony from Charles Perrottet regarding alleged misconduct involving political figures and financial dealings. It does not exhibit clear bias toward either side, providing direct quotes from Perrottet and referencing the ICAC investigation without overtly favoring any party.

The Age logoThe AgeIndependentCenter7 hr. ago
ICAC Operation Rosny LIVE updates: Charles Perrottet resumes evidence as inquiry enters week six

Week six of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) public hearings into Operation Rosny continues with Charles Perrottet returning to give evidence regarding his relationship with fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. Last week's proceedings included testimony from Anita Perrottet, who denied covering for her husband despite being paid $660,999 for 'strategic and marketing advice' without providing written proof of her work. Evidence suggested that Charles Perrottet, rather than Anita, made trips to Sydney and met with Nassif. The inquiry is examining whether Charles Perrottet and others conspired to damage the career of former Premier David Elliott on behalf of Nassif, who was expected to receive a portion of $2 million. Former building commissioner David Chandler testified that Nassif threatened him, saying, 'If you harm my developments, I'll harm you.' The hearings are ongoing and aim to uncover potential corruption within political and development circles.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the ongoing ICAC investigation, presenting evidence and testimonies from multiple parties involved without overtly favoring one side. It reports on the legal process and does not exhibit clear ideological bias in its framing or sourcing.

The Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenter7 hr. ago
ICAC Operation Rosny LIVE updates: Charles Perrottet resumes evidence as inquiry enters week six

Week six of the ICAC's Operation Rosny public hearings continues with Charles Perrottet testifying about his alleged involvement in corrupt activities linked to fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. Perrottet is questioned regarding his relationship with Nassif and potential efforts to damage the career of Premier David Elliott on Nassif's behalf. Evidence presented includes Anita Perrottet's financial disclosures and claims of providing strategic advice without documented work, as well as former building commissioner David Chandler's testimony about threats made by Nassif against developers. Perrottet also discusses alleged schemes to circumvent donation laws within the Liberal Party, referencing a network involving lobbyists like Joseph Tannous.

Bias read (Center): While the subject involves high-level political figures and allegations of corruption, the article presents multiple perspectives and does not exhibit clear ideological slant. It reports on both Perrottet's testimony and opposing evidence, including Anita Perrottet's defense and Chandler's account.

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