The New South Wales Liberal Party is facing renewed scrutiny as the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigates allegations of illicit political activity. During Wednesday’s proceedings, Jean-Claude Perrottet, the younger brother of former Premier Dominic Perrottet, testified before the commission regarding his involvement with a group known as the “Reformers.”

Jean-Claude Perrottet told the inquiry that the group, which is currently under investigation for allegedly soliciting illegal donations, actively recruited members into branches controlled by rival factions. He characterized these branches as “dodgy” during his testimony. The investigation centers on whether members of the Reformers group, including Perrottet, bypassed electoral laws to secure influence within the party.

In response to the ongoing revelations, NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman has opted to defer a decision on the status of frontbencher Damien Tudehope. While the initial reports link the ICAC testimony to the broader Reformers investigation, the specific connection between Tudehope and the testimony provided by Perrottet remains a point of internal party deliberation. The Liberal leadership is under pressure to address the implications of the testimony, as the inquiry continues to probe the recruitment tactics and financial practices of conservative power brokers within the state party.