A member of the conservative Liberal faction, the Reformers, has informed a corruption inquiry that some of the group's funds were used to pay for a 'bucks night'. Robert Assaf, giving evidence to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) on Friday, stated that he temporarily used money from the Reformers' account for personal expenditure.
Mr Assaf explained that a WhatsApp message from fellow Reformer Jean-Claude Perrottet, which read “Rob has the bucks cash coming back,” referred to using the account as an advance for personal spending, specifically for a 'bucks night' venue booking that was later cancelled.
The inquiry is investigating claims that the Reformers solicited or accepted illegal donations to recruit or renew party members, a practice known as 'branch stacking'. Mr Assaf also testified that funnelling alleged payments from Michael O’Hara through Beckington, a lobbying firm, rather than the Reformers' account, was intended to create “the maximum benefit from a tax perspective.” He admitted knowing that money paid to Beckington was to fund work for the Reformers.
The Icac inquiry will continue on Monday, with the NSW shadow attorney general, Damien Tudehope, scheduled to give evidence. Jean-Claude Perrottet and Jeremy Greenwood are also expected to appear before the commission.