Tuesday 15 September 2026
Evening EditionRSS

ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
Australia

Icac hears Liberal operatives discussed buying Porsche or Ferrari with fugitive developer's payments

Lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood alleged to have shared in $2m from Jean Nassif for fast-tracked development approvals

edit
By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Sources2 outlets
The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) heard on Monday that two Liberal operatives exchanged messages about purchasing luxury cars with payments they received for securing fast-track approvals for projects linked to fugitive developer Jean Nassif's collapsed company Toplace.

Lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood, a principal of Beckington Consulting, gave evidence that he allegedly shared in $2 million in payments from Nassif, the owner of the now-collapsed Toplace. The operatives reportedly discussed whether to buy a Porsche or a Ferrari with the money they received for Toplace projects approved through a NSW government fast-track development process.

The hearings are part of an ongoing Icac inquiry into allegations that rightwing NSW powerbrokers received illegal political donations from Nassif. No charges have been laid, and the matters remain allegations before the commission.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The case goes to the heart of political corruption in New South Wales, linking planning approvals to alleged illegal donations.
  • It raises questions about integrity in the state's development assessment system, particularly fast-track processes.
  • The outcome could have ramifications for Liberal party figures and the broader political culture in NSW.

Background

Icac has a long history of investigating corruption in NSW politics, including property developer donations and planning decisions. The current inquiry focuses on fugitive developer Jean Nassif, who left Australia and whose company Toplace collapsed, leaving debts and unfinished projects. The commission is examining whether payments flowed to political operatives in exchange for favourable treatment.

Key Perspectives

Icac: The commission is gathering evidence to determine whether corrupt conduct occurred, with the power to make findings and referrals for prosecution. Liberal operatives and their defenders: Those implicated deny wrongdoing; the hearings are testing the strength of the allegations. Critics and transparency advocates: They argue the case underscores the need for tighter donation laws and independent planning oversight.

What to Watch

  • Further testimony from Jeremy Greenwood and other witnesses in the coming days.
  • Whether Icac makes referrals to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
  • The response from the NSW Liberal Party and any calls for internal reform.

Sources

newspaper

Zotpaper

Articles published under the Zotpaper byline are synthesized from multiple source publications by our AI editor and reviewed by our editorial process. Each story combines reporting from credible outlets to give readers a balanced, comprehensive view.

Editorial ProcessSubscribe