Anita Perrottet, the sister-in-law of former New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet, has told the state's corruption watchdog she has little recollection of her husband's political work and is not sure she has ever been a member of the Liberal Party.
Anita Perrottet appeared before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on Wednesday, where she gave evidence about her involvement in political activities. According to a report from the inquiry, she told commissioners she could not remember key details about her husband's political work and was uncertain about her own party membership.
"Can't remember," she reportedly said when questioned about specific matters. Asked whether she had ever joined the Liberal Party, she replied that she was not sure.
The evidence is part of an ongoing ICAC investigation that has drawn in members of the Perrottet family, one of the most prominent political families in NSW. Dominic Perrottet served as Premier from October 2021 until March 2023, when his government lost the state election. He was previously Treasurer under Gladys Berejiklian.
Anita Perrottet is married to Dominic Perrottet's brother, though her husband has not been publicly named in connection with the inquiry. The nature of the ICAC investigation has not been fully detailed in public reporting, but it is understood to relate to political donations or lobbying activities.
The former premier himself has not been accused of wrongdoing in relation to this matter. His office declined to comment on Wednesday's hearing, referring questions to ICAC.
ICAC is an independent body that investigates allegations of corrupt conduct in the NSW public sector, including politicians and their associates. Witnesses are compelled to give evidence under oath, and the commission has powers to make findings of corruption, though it cannot lay criminal charges directly.
The inquiry is expected to continue hearing evidence over the coming weeks. Further witnesses may be called, and ICAC will ultimately release a public report on its findings.
Anita Perrottet's memory lapses echo a pattern seen in previous ICAC hearings, where witnesses have struggled to recall events from years earlier. However, the commission often relies on documents and other corroborating evidence to test such testimony.
Neither Anita Perrottet nor her husband has been accused of corruption. The inquiry's focus is understood to be on broader networks of influence within the NSW Liberal Party.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The evidence of a close family member of a former premier before ICAC underscores the reach of corruption inquiries into senior political circles.
- Memory lapses by witnesses can complicate ICAC's ability to establish facts, potentially delaying findings or limiting accountability.
- The inquiry may have implications for the NSW Liberal Party's internal culture and its relationships with donors and lobbyists.
Background
ICAC has a history of probing political misconduct in NSW, including investigations that led to the resignation of Premier Gladys Berejiklian in 2021. The current inquiry involving the Perrottet family emerged from earlier examinations of party fundraising practices.
Dominic Perrottet, who stepped down after the 2023 election loss, has remained a figure of interest in political circles. His family's involvement in the party has been a subject of speculation, though no allegations have been publicly levelled against him.
Anita Perrottet's testimony is part of this broader investigation. Her appearance suggests the commission is examining activities that occurred during her husband's involvement in politics, though specific details have not been released.
Key Perspectives
Anita Perrottet: She has cooperated with ICAC, appearing voluntarily, but maintains she has little recall of events. Her position appears to be that she was not significantly involved in or aware of the political work in question.
ICAC: The commission is likely to treat her testimony with caution, relying on documentary evidence and other witnesses to corroborate or challenge her account. Its mandate requires it to pursue the public interest even when witnesses claim memory failure.
Critics/Skeptics: Some observers may view repeated memory lapses as convenient, particularly in high-stakes inquiries. However, others point out that years-long gaps in recollection are common and not necessarily evasive. The risk is that inconclusive testimony could leave questions unanswered.
What to Watch
- Whether ICAC produces documents or other evidence that conflicts with Anita Perrottet's testimony.
- Any further witnesses from within the Perrottet family or the NSW Liberal Party's fundraising network.
- ICAC's final report, which may make findings or recommendations affecting the party's governance and donation rules.