The ICAC inquiry into the NSW Liberal Party's right-wing religious faction, The Reformers, has revealed a web of connections and allegiances that stretch far beyond the six degrees of separation. At the heart of this inquiry is a small group of faith-based young ideologues who sought to stack branches and get like-minded people elected to parliament. But what makes this case particularly intriguing is the involvement of large families, including the Perrottets, who have become entangled in the pushing and shoving for control of the Liberal Party.
One of the key figures in this saga is Jean-Claude Perrottet, the 29-year-old son of John and Anne Perrottet, who has become a reluctant star of the corruption inquiry. Jean-Claude's employment history includes a stint in the office of upper house MP Damien Tudehope, and he was recently employed as a communications officer at Catholic Schools NSW. However, his time at the organisation came to an abrupt end just before the corruption inquiry began, with his father, John Perrottet, also on leave from his position on the organisation's board.
The inquiry has also revealed a complex web of connections between the Perrottets, the Assafs, and the Tudehope family, with some individuals allegedly doing Reformers' work while on the Catholic Schools NSW payroll. The CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, Dallas McInerney, is linked to many of these individuals and has been accused of funneling school funds to a Reformers-linked lobbying group.
Jean-Claude's own involvement in the Reformers' activities is evident in a text message he sent to fellow Reformer Christian Ellis, complaining about doing political work without fair compensation. He also had a text exchange with Robert Assaf about Hannah Dobson, a nun who did not renew her party membership. This exchange highlights the Reformers' unique approach to recruitment, targeting individuals who have taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
The inquiry has also shed light on the connections between the Perrottets, the Assafs, and the Tudehope family, with some individuals allegedly doing Reformers' work while on the Catholic Schools NSW payroll. The involvement of large families in this saga adds a layer of complexity to the corruption inquiry, as the pushing and shoving for control of the Liberal Party becomes a family affair.
In my opinion, this case raises deeper questions about the influence of religious factions within political parties and the potential for corruption to permeate even the most seemingly innocent of organisations. It also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, particularly in the education sector. As the inquiry continues, it will be fascinating to see how these connections and allegiances unfold and whether any further evidence of corruption will come to light.
