NSW Liberals Reformers Funds Used for Bucks Night, Icac Hears 2026

The NSW Liberals scandal deepens as Icac hears that a group of young conservative power brokers, known as the Reformers, used funds from alleged illegal donations to pay for a bucks night. The corruption inquiry continues to expose how political donations were misappropriated for personal expenditure, raising serious questions about accountability within the party.

Reformers' Fund Misuse: Bucks Night and Beyond

Robert Assaf, a member of the Reformers, admitted to temporarily using funds from the group's account to cover a bucks night. This revelation came during his testimony before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) on Friday. The inquiry is investigating allegations that the Reformers solicited or accepted illegal donations to recruit party members, a practice known as branch stacking.

Assaf's admission follows a WhatsApp message from Jean-Claude Perrottet, brother of former premier Dominic Perrottet, which read: "Rob has the bucks cash coming back." This suggests that the use of funds for personal expenses was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of financial mismanagement.

The Beckington Scheme: Tax Avoidance or Fraud?

The inquiry also heard about the group's decision to funnel alleged payments from prohibited donor Michael O'Hara through Beckington, a registered lobbying firm. Assaf claimed this was done to achieve "the maximum benefit from a tax perspective," but counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC challenged this explanation, suggesting it was an afterthought. Assaf admitted he now knows it was illegal to minimise tax through fake invoices, though he did not at the time, and described the arrangement as "tricky" rather than dishonest.

O'Hara earlier admitted to a fake arrangement where he paid Beckington for "strategic wealth strategy investment advice," disputing whether the payments were political donations. The commission is examining whether these payments were used to circumvent donation laws.

Branch Stacking and Policy Agenda

The Reformers, a conservative faction within the NSW Liberals, sought to influence party policy on issues like same-sex marriage, abortion, and euthanasia. Their methods, however, allegedly included illegal donation schemes to boost membership numbers and gain influence. This case highlights the intersection of political ambition and financial impropriety.

Comparative Analysis: Political Donation Scandals in Australia

This table illustrates that such scandals are not new, but the current case is notable for its brazen use of funds for personal celebrations.

Key Takeaways from the Icac Hearing

• Reformers used funds from alleged illegal donations for a bucks night.
• Funneling money through Beckington was intended to maximise tax benefits, but may have been illegal.
• Assaf admitted the arrangement was "tricky" but not dishonest at the time.
• The inquiry continues to investigate branch stacking and donation irregularities.

Implications for NSW Liberals and Political Integrity

This scandal underscores the need for stricter oversight of political donations and expenditure. The public's trust in political processes is eroded when funds meant for democratic engagement are diverted for personal use. The Icac inquiry aims to uncover the full extent of the Reformers' activities and ensure accountability.

As the hearings progress, more details are likely to emerge about the group's financial dealings and the involvement of high-profile figures. The outcome could have significant implications for the NSW Liberals and broader political reform.

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