Operative Denies Fake Note in Corruption Probe

A Australian political operative has denied inventing a record of an agreement with a fugitive property developer during a state anti-corruption hearing. Jeremy Greenwood gave evidence before the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption as part of an investigation into whether lobbyists accepted payments in exchange for political favors.

The commission is examining allegations that Greenwood, along with Charles Perrottet and Christian Ellis, shared $2 million in payments between 2020 and 2023 from developer Jean Nassif or his firm Toplace. The alleged goal of the payments was to influence political outcomes, including the removal of building commissioner David Chandler and damaging the political career of former state minister David Elliott. Greenwood and Charles Perrottet have denied taking illegal political donations.

Text Messages and Smear Campaign Allegations

During testimony on Wednesday, Greenwood was questioned about text messages exchanged with Toplace executive Sharangan Maheswaran. In one message, Greenwood asked if a private investigator employed by Toplace could wire him for sound ahead of a meeting with fellow Liberal Party figures. Greenwood told the commission the text was a “silly comment” and stated he believed the meeting never occurred.

Counsel assisting the commission, Peggy Dwyer SC, asked Greenwood about another message from Maheswaran proposing that material be provided to the media producer Friendlyjordies for a negative documentary about Elliott, followed by the release of a photograph. Greenwood acknowledged the text likely referred to Elliott but said he could not recall the specific material mentioned. The inquiry previously heard that Greenwood and factional associates created a document containing unverified personal allegations against Elliott, which witnesses have accepted as untrue.

Lobbying Fees and Consultancy Payments

The commission also examined payments made to Anita Perrottet, the wife of Charles Perrottet, through lobbying firms Beckington and JPG Advisory, which were controlled by Greenwood and Ellis. Last week, Charles Perrottet rejected suggestions that he or his wife lied to the commission, stating the payments covered both his advice to Nassif and her work.

Greenwood testified that Charles Perrottet provided strategic advice regarding Nassif’s developments, while Anita Perrottet provided ongoing marketing work without a written record of advice. Anita Perrottet received a $10,000 monthly retainer for work involving Greyhound Racing NSW, where she created the policy slogan “zero unnecessary euthanasia.” She also advised a vaping client to eliminate certain flavors to prevent youth appeal. Greenwood defended paying consultancy fees for what he described as a “mum’s perspective,” which he called vital in politics.

Project Fast-Tracking and Luxury Items

The inquiry heard details of an April 2020 agreement between Nassif and the lobbying firm Beckington. Under the reported deal, Beckington was to receive $1 million for each of up to five Toplace development projects that were successfully fast-tracked.

Text records presented to the commission showed that in December 2020, Ellis informed Greenwood that a $400,000 invoice had been paid by Toplace. In response to the payment, Greenwood expressed relief regarding the scheduled delivery of a luxury vehicle he had ordered.

Background

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is an independent public body in New South Wales, Australia, tasked with investigating public sector corruption. Former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is not a person of interest in the inquiry and has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Christian Ellis is currently overseas and is not expected to testify during the commission’s hearings, while Toplace executive Sharangan Maheswaran is scheduled to appear later in the proceedings.