Hotelier stopped funding NSW Liberal ‘Reformers’ after deciding Morrison and Perrottet had ‘gone woke’, Icac hears
Summary
A corruption inquiry in New South Wales (NSW) is investigating illegal donations linked to a group called the Liberal “Reformers,” who aimed to push their party to the right. A hotel owner admitted giving money to the group but said he now regrets supporting them after believing the party shifted too far in another direction.Key Facts
- The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) is holding hearings on alleged illegal donations to young NSW Liberal Party members called the “Reformers.”
- The Reformers are accused of trying to change the party’s direction toward conservative policies by using branch stacking, which means manipulating party membership to influence decisions.
- Hotelier Michael O’Hara, who is banned from making political donations due to his liquor business, admitted paying $165,000 to support the Reformers between 2018 and 2023.
- O’Hara said he made payments through a lobbyist and a company linked to Jean-Claude Perrottet, brother of former Liberal Premier Dominic Perrottet.
- O’Hara stopped funding the group after feeling the NSW Liberals had become “woke,” a term referring to socially progressive positions, and criticized both state and federal leaders for being weak.
- The inquiry heard that members of the Reformers expected $2 million from a fugitive property developer to support their goals.
- Damien Tudehope, a NSW shadow attorney general and former business partner of O’Hara, was questioned but is not accused of wrongdoing; he has stepped aside from his party roles.
- NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane said the hearings were difficult to hear but emphasized fairness during the investigation.
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