Nepo Babies and Conservative Catholic Ties Bind Young Liberals 2026

The term nepo babies and the influence of conservative Catholic networks are now central to understanding how young Liberals are bound to exclusive clubs in Australia. Recent ICAC hearings have exposed a web of connections between Catholic Schools NSW, the Reformers group, and prominent political families, raising questions about elitism on the right.

The Right's Own Elite Circles

While Liberal and National leaders frequently criticise inner-city, Canberra, university, and public service elites, the ICAC inquiry into Operation Rosny reveals that the right has its own exclusive clubs. Catholic Schools NSW, which manages $3.8 billion in government grants, appears to employ a disproportionate number of young men linked to Opus Dei and Redfield College—both deeply conservative Catholic institutions.

Payments and Political Donations

Evidence presented during the first three weeks of hearings shows payments made by Catholic Schools NSW to key figures and companies associated with the Reformers, a shadowy group of NSW Liberal operatives. Their stated goal was to steer the Liberal party toward conservative policies on abortion, gender, same-sex marriage, and euthanasia by taking over party branches. ICAC is investigating whether these payments constituted illegal donations, exceeded caps, or were undeclared.

The Nepo Baby Factor

Having surnames like Tudehope or Perrottet seems to be an advantage in this ecosystem. John Perrottet, father of former premier Dominic Perrottet, sits on the Catholic Schools board, while Dallas McInerney, CEO since its founding, has stood aside during the inquiry. The term nepo baby springs to mind—though it's typically reserved for left-leaning elites or children of film stars.

Key Takeaways from the ICAC Hearings

• Catholic Schools NSW paid key figures linked to the Reformers, a conservative faction within the NSW Liberal Party.
• These payments may have been used for political purposes, potentially violating donation caps and disclosure rules.
• Employment patterns at Catholic Schools NSW show a preference for individuals from Opus Dei and Redfield College.
• Family connections, such as the Perrottet and Tudehope names, appear to confer advantages.
• The inquiry highlights that elitism exists across the political spectrum, not just on the left.

FAQ

As the ICAC inquiry continues, the evidence suggests that the right's critique of elites is selective. The ties binding young Liberals to conservative Catholic institutions reveal a parallel structure of privilege, one that operates behind closed doors and often escapes public scrutiny.