ICAC witness threat to embroil Taylor

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 7, 2026

Federal Liberal leader Angus Taylor is under intensified scrutiny as the NSW ICAC hearings probe alleged branch-stacking and illicit donations linked to his faction, The Reformers. The investigation's next phase, including testimony from Dallas McInerney, threatens to deepen Taylor’s association with the scandal and potentially disrupt the party’s parliamentary agenda.

Federal Liberal leader Angus Taylor faces renewed scrutiny amid ongoing hearings by the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), as figures linked to a conservative Liberal faction tied to allegations involving donations are summoned to appear. The faction, known as The Reformers, has been under investigation for its role in purported branch-stacking activities and illicit fundraising.

Dallas McInerney, the former chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW who stepped down after his involvement was raised in the inquiry, is scheduled to give evidence in the coming days. McInerney’s association with Taylor has stirred concerns within Liberal ranks that the opposition leader’s name could become further entangled in the probe. Taylor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to payments alleged in messages involving McInerney, which referenced a $15,000 “injection” and $3,000 monthly donations. While Taylor is not formally accused of misconduct, federal Liberals have expressed apprehension that the investigation may escalate with McInerney’s testimony.

The inquiry, which resumed Thursday, also featured new evidence including taped phone conversations from fugitive property developer Jean Nassif to Jean-Claude Perrottet, an investment broker and ICAC witness. In one call, Nassif urged Perrottet to channel $100,000 to one of his brothers for “preselection” purposes. It remains unclear which brother was referenced, but ICAC counsel Juliet Curtin questioned if this was connected to The Reformers’ alleged strategy to finance branch stacking within the party’s right faction. Perrottet, the younger sibling of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, rejected the suggestion, describing Nassif’s claims as “nonsense” and expressing surprise at the conversations.

Messages presented during the hearing depicted internal discussions among The Reformers’ members about financial shortfalls, mentioning Michael O’Hara’s opposition to a vaccination campaign and suggesting that Taylor was also displeased with another figure, Rob, presumably Robert Assaf, a founding member of the faction. Curtin probed whether the texts implied Taylor had contributed funds to the group, highlighting the faction’s use of anti-vaccination campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic as a recruitment tool.

Political sources noted uncertainty within the Liberal Party about how the investigation might impact upcoming parliamentary activities, as federal parliament is set to resume its focus on housing market issues next week. Some members expressed wariness that renewed attention on Taylor could disrupt the party’s legislative agenda.

The inquiry continues to explore the extent of The Reformers’ fundraising methods and internal factional dynamics, with further testimonies expected in the coming sessions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.