Ex-premier's brother vague on assisting rogue developer

The probe is investigating allegations Liberal Party operatives, including Charles Perrottet, sought cash from Jean Nassif in exchange for political outcomes.

Nassif, due to give evidence via video link later in the week, left Australia for his ancestral homeland of Lebanon in late 2022.

A NSW police warrant has been issued for his arrest over fraud allegations.

Charles Perrottet said he couldn't recall what he did to assist Nassif with developments, aside from advising he join the Property Council, pursue a new government fast-tracking channel and several low-level introductions.

"You cannot recall any additional work you did to assist Mr Nassif with his projects?" counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer asked.

Mr Perrottet replied: "I just don't know."

Messages read to the commission showed Mr Perrottet met with Nassif and the owners of consultancy firm Beckington, Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis, several times in late 2019 and 2020.

Beckington made a deal with Nassif to receive one per cent of profits from developments they successfully assisted in getting approved, Mr Perrottet told the commission. 

Mr Greenwood and Mr Ellis were close associates of Charles Perrottet, who played down his role in the meetings, describing it as being to impress the developer with his ties to government.

While not remembering the extent of assistance, Mr Perrottet accepted he may have at least spoken to someone to assist Nassif, but said he couldn't recall who or what it involved.

Earlier in the day, the commission heard Mr Perrottet was paid thousands of dollars by Beckington through his wife Anita's business, Macquarie Consulting.

Mr Perrottet said the remuneration was only for the advice he had given Beckington on how to fast-track Nassifs developments.

Beckington paid $313,500 into Macquarie Consulting's account over an 18-month period beginning July 2021.

Mr Perrottet said he could not remember how much money was for advice he gave, and how much was for his wife's work.

He earlier denied the money was from Nassif in exchange for services he provided him or his company.

Dr Dwyer pointed out the arrangement was not referenced in evidence by anyone else involved, including Ms Perrottet, Mr Greenwood or Mr Ellis.

"The thing about telling lies involving three other people is you really need to get them on the same page about the lie you are telling," Dr Dwyer said. 

Dr Dwyer asked if the commission should expect Mr Greenwood to suddenly recall the financial arrangement when he returns to ICAC to give evidence later this week.

"I'm not going to speculate on what Jeremy Greenwood is going to tell the commission," Mr Perrottet replied.

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