NSW Liberal Party Factionalism

Factionalism in the NSW Liberal Party

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) has been investigating a group of young conservative Liberal power brokers for allegedly soliciting illegal donations. Robert Assaf, a member of the hard-right Liberal factional group the Reformers, recently gave evidence to the Icac, comparing their factional work to Mel Gibson's Braveheart.

Comparison to Braveheart

Assaf stated that they "didn't think the law applied to us" when it came to political funding. This admission has raised concerns about the group's attitude towards the law and their willingness to disregard it in pursuit of their goals.

The Reformers have been accused of soliciting illegal donations, which has led to the Icac investigation. The group's actions have been described as a "warring kingdom" within the NSW Liberal Party, with different factions vying for power and influence.

Investigation and Allegations

The Icac investigation has been ongoing, with several members of the Reformers giving evidence. The allegations against the group include soliciting illegal donations and failing to disclose donations as required by law.

The investigation has also revealed that the federal opposition leader was aware of the Reformers' activities and did not oppose their work. However, it is unclear whether the leader was aware of the group's alleged illegal activities.

Implications and Concerns

The allegations against the Reformers have raised concerns about the integrity of the NSW Liberal Party and the potential for corruption. The fact that the group felt they were above the law has also raised questions about the culture within the party.

The investigation has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability within the party. The NSW Liberal Party has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some calling for greater action to be taken against those involved.

For more information on the Icac investigation, visit the Icac website. The NSW Government website also provides information on the NSW Liberal Party and the investigation.