Angus Taylor Denies Funding Group at Center of NSW Corruption Probe

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has firmly denied ever making payments to a faction within the NSW Liberals known as the NSW Reformers, which is currently under scrutiny by a state corruption probe into branch stacking. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has been presented with text messages indicating the group's intention to solicit money from Taylor.

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No payment was made.

During a hearing, text messages were shown involving lobbyist Robert Assaf and key figures under investigation. One message, purportedly from Dallas McInerney to a group chat including Assaf, stated an intention to "shake down Angus for 10k." Former Liberal staffer Dylan Whiteclaw, associated with the NSW Reformers, acknowledged the message likely referred to Mr. Taylor but could not recall seeing it.

Under repeated questioning, Taylor denied five times that any payment was made to the group. When asked if he disputed the authenticity of the text messages, he stated he was not a party to the proceedings and would not offer a "running commentary," adding, "I'll let the commission do its job."

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I have breakfast club with ministers this Thursday morning. Who can I get an update from? Re SCD progress in last six to 12 months. I want to shake down Angus for 10k.

Taylor has not confirmed if he was ever asked to contribute financially to the NSW Reformers. He reiterated his denial of any payment being made and avoided confirming his awareness of the group or its activities. The inquiry also saw messages from Whiteclaw claiming McInerney had secured a $15,000 payment and ongoing monthly donations from Taylor for the group's work. Whiteclaw expressed surprise at the possibility of Taylor making such contributions, suggesting McInerney might have provided incorrect information.

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Potentially, Dallas [McInerney] had told me something that was incorrect. I'd be very surprised if Mr Taylor made any financial contribution.