Charles Perrottet Denies Developer Payments in Icac Hearing 2026

Charles Perrottet has repeatedly denied taking payments from property developer Jean Nassif for political outcomes, telling a corruption inquiry he cannot explain a message sent after a Nassif development was refused. The Icac hearing continues to probe alleged corruption within the NSW Liberals, with Perrottet facing tough questions about his conduct.

Charles Perrottet's Denials in Icac Hearing

During the hearing, Charles Perrottet, brother of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet, firmly rejected accusations that he accepted payments from Nassif to influence political decisions. He admitted he would sometimes lie to Nassif about political work but denied fabricating evidence to the commission. Perrottet also revealed he may have regularly lied to close friend Christian Ellis, who is implicated in the allegations.

The inquiry focuses on claims that Perrottet, Jeremy Greenwood, and Ellis received prohibited donations totalling $2 million from Nassif or his company Toplace between 2020 and 2023. These payments allegedly were made in exchange for political outcomes and branch stacking—recruiting or renewing Liberal party members.

Key Allegations and Testimony

Icac is investigating whether the trio engaged in corrupt conduct by accepting donations and performing political favors. Perrottet's testimony included his inability to explain a message from Nassif that read: "Charles fucked this whole thing," following a refused development. He suggested he often added a "political flavour" to advice to secure payments for genuine work.

Ellis, currently overseas, has not responded to Icac, while Greenwood is scheduled to appear next week. The commission's findings could have significant implications for NSW politics.

Comparison of Testimonies in the Inquiry

Branch Stacking and Political Donations

Branch stacking, while not illegal, raises ethical concerns when linked to donations. The inquiry aims to determine if these practices crossed into corruption. Perrottet's defense hinges on his claim that he misled Nassif to collect legitimate fees for political consultancy, not to secure illegal outcomes.

What's at Stake for NSW Liberals

The Icac hearing could damage public trust in the NSW Liberal party, especially given Dominic Perrottet's recent premiership. If corruption is proven, it may lead to legal consequences and political fallout, affecting future elections.

Key Takeaways from the Hearing

• Charles Perrottet denies all allegations of receiving payments for political outcomes.
• He admits to lying to Nassif and possibly Ellis to chase payments for genuine work.
• The inquiry involves $2 million in alleged prohibited donations from Toplace.
• Branch stacking is under scrutiny but not illegal per se.
• Ellis and Greenwood have yet to fully respond to Icac.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of gaming chairs comfort support serious play, summer jigsaw puzzles fun when its too hot, low priced game camera, game camera money, and sd card game camera. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of keyboards under, antivirus software, pc build under, dac pc, and subnet mask. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.