The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) heard on Wednesday that Anita Perrottet, wife of Dominic Perrottet’s brother Charles, received substantial payments that counsel for the inquiry suggested were used to disguise unlawful donations. Under questioning, she denied being placed in an “impossible situation” and insisted she had not committed perjury.
The inquiry is examining a series of transactions and contributions linked to the Perrottet family’s business interests and political networks. The hearing follows a secret recording of Charles Perrottet that was aired earlier in the week, which raised questions about the flow of funds and whether any of it breached electoral laws.
Anita Perrottet told the commission that the money she received was for professional services — “strategic and marketing advice” — and that all relevant declarations were properly made. She rejected the assertion that the payments were a sham designed to launder donations through her consulting work.
Dominic Perrottet, who served as NSW premier from 2021 to 2023, has not been directly implicated in the allegations, but the inquiry places his family at the centre of a politically sensitive corruption probe. The former premier has previously stated he was unaware of any improper conduct.
Icac’s investigation is ongoing, and the commission is expected to hear further testimony from other witnesses before delivering its findings. The case has drawn intense scrutiny given the state’s history of political donation scandals and the high-profile nature of the Perrottet name.
Both Charles and Anita Perrottet have maintained their innocence, with their legal team arguing that the payments were commercial in nature and fully compliant with the law. The commission will determine whether the evidence supports a finding of corrupt conduct.