Lobbyist 'frustrated' with fugitive developer over late payments

A lobbyist has told a NSW corruption inquiry that he was 'frustrated' with a fugitive property developer over late payments, including one for a Porsche.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating whether people linked to the NSW Liberal Party solicited funds from prohibited donors and other sources to advance the interests of a right-wing faction.

Payment disputes

Counsel assisting the commission questioned lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood about disputes with Jean Nassif, a property developer who is set to give evidence from Lebanon next week.

Mr Greenwood, a former NSW Liberal Party operative, wrote to his business partner Christian Ellis about the disputes, saying: "I want it f***ing paid, I'm sick of it. It's actually embarrassing."

When Mr Ellis suggested they should receive $400,000, Mr Greenwood replied: "Good, because the Porsche comes in January and I'm getting worried."

He also described Mr Nassif as a "f***wit" and said: "But it's also just really disrespectful from him … Not good if that f***wit doesn't pay."

Counsel assisting the commission, Peggy Dwyer SC, asked Mr Greenwood if he was referring to Mr Nassif, and he replied: "Probably, yes."

Dr Dwyer asked: "You're calling him that name because he hasn't paid you a lump sum that you say you're due?"

Mr Greenwood said: "Oh, yeah. I was very frustrated."

Allegations of extracting money

Dr Dwyer suggested that Mr Greenwood was extracting the money from Mr Nassif by promising political outcomes, which Mr Greenwood denied.

He said: "I have no doubt that there was always this constant need to reassure Jean that the right [faction] was strong and growing as a way of him not abandoning Beckington."

ICAC is examining allegations that Mr Greenwood, Mr Ellis, and Charles Perrottet, brother of a former premier, expected to receive a combined $2 million from Mr Nassif.

Campaign to remove building commissioner

The inquiry also heard evidence of an alleged campaign to damage the reputation of the former NSW building commissioner David Chandler.

Counsel assisting alleged that political favours for Mr Nassif included removing Mr Chandler as building commissioner.

The inquiry was shown text messages between Mr Greenwood and Toplace executive Sharangan Maheswaran discussing material about Mr Chandler.

Mr Maheswaran sent Mr Greenwood a video of Mr Chandler appearing at a budget estimate hearing along with a transcript and asked whether it could be passed to a journalist.

Mr Maheswaran wrote: "Bombs away" and Mr Greenwood replied: "Excellent. Haha I like that, 'bombs away'."

Consulting work

Mr Greenwood also gave evidence about consulting work completed by Charles Perrottet's wife Anita, who was paid more than $660,000 over two-and-a-half years.

He described her contribution as a "mum's perspective" on vaping and said she was "very effective" in providing that advice.

He said: "The mum's perspective is so important. It's what everybody in politics looks for."

The hearings continue.