Angus Taylor dragged into ICAC probe over alleged secret donations to Liberal faction

During an Independent Commission against Corruption hearing into the “Reformers” sub-faction of the NSW Liberal Party, federal opposition leader Angus Taylor was thrust into the spotlight despite being in Rockhampton at the time. Messages circulated among the group in March 2021 suggested a plan to extract $10,000 from Taylor and later referenced a $15,000 contribution and a $3,000 monthly donation, though a former parliamentary staffer could not recall sending the text or confirming any payment.

Taylor’s spokesperson asserted he is not a party to the matters before the commission and that all fundraising complies with party regulations. The probe also examines large sums from developer Jean Nassif, hotelier Michael O’Hara and Catholic Schools NSW, some allegedly routed through sham PR firms run by Reformers members. If the contributions were undisclosed, they could breach NSW’s Electoral Funding Act and trigger a major factional crisis within the Liberals. The inquiry may further explore possible breaches of charity law involving Catholic Schools NSW’s use of staff for political work.