Young Liberals corruption inquiry exposes years of group-chat scheming
ICAC inquiry reveals WhatsApp messages from group called the Reformers taking illegal donations for branch stacking.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption finished a 10-week public inquiry. The inquiry looked into claims that a group called the Reformers took illegal political donations.
The Reformers were young Sydney Liberal party members. The group used the money to recruit new members and stack branches.
Recovered WhatsApp and SMS messages showed what happened. Co-founders Robert Assaf and Christian Ellis were in their twenties.
They built a faction with Jean-Claude Perrottet. The group wanted to add 5,000 conservative members.
This would shift the NSW Liberal party right on marriage, gender and abortion. Messages used nicknames for alleged donors.
These included "old mate Damien's mate" and "Marty Money". Assaf and Perrottet say they did nothing wrong.
Ellis moved to the UK and did not testify. Branch stacking itself is not illegal.
But political donations used to pay for it are prohibited.
- Assaf 30, Ellis 34
- Co-founder ages now
- 10 weeks public hearings
- Inquiry duration
- 5,000 conservative members
- Target membership add
- 2017
- Group founding year
Why it mattersICAC's findings will shape how major parties police factional groups and donations. The case shows how young operatives can build influence within party structures outside public view.
AustraliaThe NSW Liberal party faces questions about its internal culture and oversight. The inquiry may lead to stronger rules around donations and membership recruitment across Australian politics.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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