Two Liberal operatives reportedly exchanged photos and messages discussing whether to purchase a Porsche or a Ferrari with payments they received for Toplace projects. These projects were approved through a New South Wales government fast-track development process.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) heard further evidence on Monday from lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood, a principal of Beckington Consulting. Greenwood is alleged to have shared in $2m in payments from Jean Nassif, the owner of the now-collapsed Toplace.
Greenwood, along with Charles Perrottet, a right-wing political powerbroker and brother of former premier Dominic Perrottet, and Christian Ellis, a fellow conservative right-wing Liberal, are alleged to have received illegal political donations. Dominic Perrottet is not a person of interest in the inquiry and is not accused of wrongdoing. Charles Perrottet and Greenwood have denied taking illegal political donations.
Icac alleges these payments were used to fund political outcomes, including the removal of the Hills Shire council and attempts to remove building commissioner David Chandler. Chandler had placed prohibition orders on Nassif's developments due to defects. Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer stated the payments were split three ways between the trio.
Greenwood and Ellis reportedly had a text exchange in April 2020 where they traded pictures of cars. Greenwood sent a picture of a Porsche 911, and Ellis replied, "I don't know. The top of the range one. It's just insane." Greenwood then mentioned, "There's something about a red Ferrari always," to which Ellis responded, "That's true too. That Ferrari is very nice, very very nice." Greenwood noted both cars cost around $280,000, and Ellis concluded, "Ferrari. Definitely."
Dwyer asked Greenwood if they ultimately settled on a Porsche, to which he replied, "Yes, but not the $280,000 one." Dwyer suggested this exchange indicated that a meeting on 24 April between Nassif, Charles Perrottet, and Greenwood was where large payments for approving Nassif's developments were discussed. Greenwood agreed the trio were offered $1m per project if they were accepted for the fast track.
The inquiry continues.