The Reformers’ Strategy: How a Catholic Sub-Faction Seized the Coffs Harbour Liberal Branch

What Happened

In July 2018, a right-wing Catholic sub-faction known as the Reformers gained control of the Liberal Party branch in Coffs Harbour. This victory, described by co-founder Robert Assaf as a move to take the branch away from the party's "Left wing," established a foothold in the federal electorate of Cowper. The branch, which previously consisted primarily of retirees, grew to 25 members following the takeover, with 14 individuals joining in the 12 months leading up to the change in leadership.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is now investigating allegations of illegal donations and branch stacking related to this period. A central focus of the inquiry is whether Dallas McInerney, the head of Catholic Schools NSW and a person of interest in the investigation, used organization funds to pay fraudulent consulting invoices to finance the Reformers.

Background

The takeover of the Coffs Harbour branch was part of a broader strategy to influence the Liberal Party's Senate representation. The Reformers aimed to replace long-serving Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells with McInerney. While Fierravanti-Wells had initially supported the Reformers and employed Assaf in her office, she eventually lost the backing of her right-wing colleagues. This loss of support was solidified during a meeting at the home of the late Teena McQueen, where then-NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet reportedly informed the senator she no longer had the faction's support.

Key Facts

• The Coffs Harbour branch is the only Liberal Party branch within the federal electorate of Cowper.
• Hotelier Michael O’Hara donated $25,000 to the Reformers in June 2018, one month before the takeover.
• Wade McInerney, brother of Dallas McInerney, assisted in organizing the June 2018 annual general meeting where the takeover occurred.
• ICAC is investigating if bogus consulting invoices were used to funnel Catholic Schools NSW funds to the Reformers.
• The Reformers' co-founder Robert Assaf and Wade McInerney both held positions at Greyhounds NSW following their time in political offices.

What Happens Next

The ICAC inquiry continues to examine the financial transactions between Catholic Schools NSW and entities linked to the Reformers. The commission is determining the extent of Dallas McInerney's involvement and whether the funding of the sub-faction violated laws regarding political donations. The findings may clarify how internal party shifts were financed and the legality of the methods used to alter branch membership and leadership.