The recent Icac hearing into the Liberal Party's Reformers faction has revealed startling admissions from key figures, including claims that they "didn't think the law applied" to their internal fundraising activities. This breaking Australian news also includes the bizarre tale of Neil the seal, whose Tasmanian antics cost taxpayers $36,000.
Icac Witness Admits Ignorance of Donation Laws
During Operation Rosny, the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) heard testimony from Reformers member Jeremy Assaf. Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC questioned Assaf about his awareness of electoral funding laws. Assaf admitted he "wouldn't know" the Liberal party's constitution on donations and said he was "not really aware" of prohibited donors at the federal level.
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Assaf's Testimony: "We Didn't See Ourselves as a Political Party"
Assaf argued that the Reformers' activities were internal party machinations and not subject to electoral laws. When Dwyer stated that ignorance of the law is no excuse, Assaf replied, "We just didn't think the law applied to us." This defense has raised questions about accountability within political factions.
Comparison of Donation Limits
The following table compares key donation caps under NSW electoral laws:
| Donor Type | Annual Cap (NSW) | Prohibition |
|---|---|---|
| Property Developers | $0 | Completely banned |
| Individual Donors | $5,800 | Must be declared |
| Political Parties (Internal) | No specific cap | Subject to disclosure rules |
Key Takeaways from the Icac Hearing
- Reformers faction allegedly solicited donations from prohibited donors, including property developers.
- Assaf admitted to lacking full knowledge of electoral funding laws.
- The hearing highlights the ambiguity between internal party activities and public electoral campaigns.
- Icac continues to investigate potential breaches of the Electoral Funding Act.
Neil the Seal: $36,000 Tasmanian Adventure
Separately, the beloved elephant seal known as Neil has caused significant disruption in Tasmania, with authorities spending $36,000 to manage his antics. Neil's repeated appearances on beaches and roads have led to increased surveillance of wildlife areas, as Victoria ramps up efforts to prevent similar incidents.
What Happened with Neil the Seal?
Neil gained fame for hauling himself onto roads, blocking traffic, and even entering private properties. Wildlife authorities deployed resources to safely relocate him, incurring high costs. The incident has sparked debate about wildlife management funding in Australia.
FAQ
What is the Icac hearing about?
The Icac hearing, Operation Rosny, investigates whether Liberal Party figures solicited or accepted donations from prohibited donors in amounts that exceeded caps or were undeclared, potentially violating NSW's Electoral Funding Act.
Who is Jeremy Assaf?
Jeremy Assaf is a member of the Reformers faction within the NSW Liberal Party. He testified that the group did not consider its fundraising activities subject to electoral laws because they viewed them as internal party matters.
Why did Neil the seal cost $36,000?
Neil the seal, a large elephant seal, repeatedly entered populated areas in Tasmania, requiring wildlife authorities to conduct multiple rescue operations, traffic control, and monitoring, leading to a total cost of $36,000.
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