ICAC hears from Anita Perrottet in corruption inquiry

The sister-in-law of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet has entered the witness box as ICAC broadens its inquiry into alleged corruption involving fugitive developer Jean Nassif.

The focus has now turned to what Anita Perrottet knew about her husband Charles Perrottet’s dealings, as investigators examine whether money from Mr Nassif was linked to political influence in NSW.

The hearing is investigating whether figures linked to the Liberal Party accepted donations from Mr Nassif and his company Toplace in exchange for political help.

That included alleged efforts that could have damaged former minister David Elliott and helped remove former building commissioner David Chandler from his role.

Charles Perrottet, the younger brother of the former premier, is among those under scrutiny.

Dominic Perrottet is not accused of any wrongdoing in the ICAC inquiry.

Ms Perrottet is not a person of interest, but the commission is examining whether she played any role in helping Charles Perrottet receive money from Nassif.

For much of her evidence so far, Ms Perrottet has appeared to struggle to recall details in response to a series of questions put to her.

Opening her evidence on Wednesday, counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC took Ms Perrottet through her work history, including roles in marketing and communications, a drinks business that closed in 2017, and her newer consulting firm, Eastern Hill Partners.

Ms Perrottet told the commission the business does not yet have clients, but has an expert advisory panel she consults for advice.

Jeremy Greenwood, who is a person of interest in the inquiry, is on that panel.

She also told the hearing she was unsure whether she had ever been a member of the Liberal Party, although she knew she was not currently a member.

Asked about Dominic Perrottet becoming premier, she replied she was happy for him, but it had little impact on her family because she was living in Victoria at the time.

The hearing also focused on what she could remember about her husband’s role on the Liberal Party’s Local Government Oversight Committee.