Lobbyist Paid for Former Premier's Brother to Travel to Fiji Amid Inquiry

What Happened

Consultant and lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) regarding Operation Rosny, an inquiry into alleged illegal political donations and branch stacking within the Christian Liberal group, The Reformers. Greenwood admitted to providing his credit card details for Jean-Claude Perrottet, brother of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet, to book flights to Fiji in February 2023. Greenwood also arranged for three loans totaling $25,000 to be paid to Jean-Claude Perrottet for the trip through his lobbying firm, JPG Advisory. Greenwood stated that it was his idea for Jean-Claude Perrottet to go to Fiji and suggested that fugitive property developer Jean Nassif cover the costs.

The inquiry also heard evidence concerning text messages between Greenwood and Jean-Claude Perrottet. In one exchange, Greenwood wrote about providing "filthy schools money" and then mentioned it would be deleted. Greenwood described this as a "stupid joke" and a reflection of their personal relationship, while counsel assisting the commissioner, Peggy Dwyer SC, alleged it referred to payments from Catholic Schools NSW intended to fund Liberal Party recruitment work.

Greenwood also testified about advising Dallas McInerney, CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, to "Go to Brisbane" via message after McInerney received a letter from the chair of a separate parliamentary inquiry. Greenwood admitted to avoiding summons he deemed "invalid" and accepted a private security guard outside his home.

Key Facts

• Consultant and lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood testified for a third day at the ICAC's Operation Rosny inquiry.
• The inquiry is investigating allegations of prohibited political donations to the Liberal-aligned Reformers group.
• Greenwood admitted he facilitated Jean-Claude Perrottet's trip to Fiji in February 2023 by providing his credit card for flights and arranging loans.
• Greenwood suggested that Jean Nassif should cover the costs of Jean-Claude Perrottet's trip.
• Text messages between Greenwood and Jean-Claude Perrottet, including one mentioning "filthy schools money," were presented as evidence.
• Greenwood advised Dallas McInerney, CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, to travel to Brisbane to avoid a parliamentary inquiry.
• Greenwood stated he avoided summons he considered invalid and had security outside his home.

Background

ICAC's Operation Rosny is examining whether The Reformers group solicited or accepted prohibited donations to recruit or renew party members, a practice known as branch stacking. The Reformers aimed to promote more conservative policies on social issues. Jean-Claude Perrottet was a member of this faction. The inquiry is also investigating allegations that Jean Nassif made prohibited donations between 2020 and 2023 to Greenwood, Christian Ellis, and Charles Perrottet in exchange for outcomes sought by Nassif. Greenwood's former company, Beckington, is alleged to have been used to disguise political donations as payments for lobbying work.