Arabic version: هيئة مكافحة الفساد تسمع نصيف يصف بيروتيت بأنه «فتاه»

According to ABC News, secret phone recordings played to the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption show fugitive property developer Jean Nassif boasting of influence within the Liberal Party and referring to former premier Dominic Perrottet as his “boy”.

ICAC is examining whether donations linked to Nassif were exchanged for political favours, including the removal of former NSW building commissioner David Chandler and efforts to stop him investigating Nassif’s developments. In a call with a family member before Dominic Perrottet became premier, Nassif said he could secure his preferred minister and use the role to remove Chandler.

The recordings were played during the fifth day of evidence from Charles Perrottet, the former premier’s brother. The inquiry heard Nassif had sought Charles Perrottet’s help to pressure Dominic Perrottet, then treasurer, over an occupation certificate for one of Nassif’s developments. Charles Perrottet said the request sounded “like a threat” and agreed it would be corrupt, saying he would not have called his brother.

Dominic Perrottet has not been accused of wrongdoing. He referred the allegations to ICAC in 2022, and there is no suggestion he knew about the request.

Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC also accused Charles Perrottet and his wife Anita of giving inconsistent evidence about payments to her company, Macquaire Consulting. The inquiry previously heard Anita Perrottet was paid more than $660,000 over two-and-a-half years. Charles Perrottet rejected the allegation that evidence had been fabricated.

Text messages shown to the inquiry also detailed efforts involving parliamentary documents, lobbying, legal options and attempts to stop an ABC News report on defects at Toplace’s Skyview apartments. Charles Perrottet said a promise to raise concerns with then-minister Kevin Anderson was a lie intended to appease Nassif, and said he was trying to keep him calm.