Opposition leader says he is ‘not a party to proceedings’ being investigated by NSW corruption watchdog as fellow Liberals close ranks

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Angus Taylor says no payments were made in relation to a growing corruption case involving members of the New South Wales Liberal party, insisting he is not a party to the proceedings.

Fellow Liberals also closed ranks around the federal opposition leader, sidestepping questions about the hearing by noting his statements and the fact he is not a party to the corruption inquiry’s work.

During a press conference in Queensland on Wednesday morning, Taylor was asked about being named as a potential donor to a conservative Liberal group known as the Reformers, now being investigated by the NSW Icac.

“I’m not going to give a running commentary on all of this. I’m not a party to the proceedings, but no payment was made,” Taylor said.

Asked about the text message, Taylor said: “No payment was made.

“No payment was made and I’ll let the commission do its job.”

Asked if he would agree to appear as a witness, he said no such request had been made and he would not discuss hypotheticals.

“I haven’t been approached by the commission and I’m not going to give a running commentary,” Taylor said.

Taylor, who is not accused of wrongdoing, was on Tuesday mentioned in Icac proceedings when Dylan Whitelaw, a former NSW Liberal parliamentary staffer and associate of the Reformers, gave evidence.

During the hearing, Whitelaw was shown a screenshot of a message from the Catholic Schools NSW chief executive, Dallas McInerney. The screenshot was sent by Robert Assaf, a member of the Reformers, to a group chat that included Whitelaw in March 2021.

“I have breakfast club with ministers this Thursday morning, who can I get an update from? Re SCD [state council delegate] progress in the last six to 12 months. I want to shake down Angus for 10k,” the message, read aloud at the inquiry, allegedly said.

Asked if “Angus” referred to Angus Taylor, Whitelaw said: “I would assume it’s Angus Taylor.” Whitelaw said that “SCD progress” referred to a Reformers plan to have as many conservative members elected to the NSW Liberals state council as possible.

The group wanted more conservative policies on same-sex marriage, abortion and euthanasia.

Whitelaw was shown another message, from days later, in which he allegedly wrote: “Dallas has told me he got the commitment from Angus, the 15k injection plus a 3k monthly donation!” He said he did not recall sending the message, nor did he recall Taylor making a financial contribution to the Reformers.

“Potentially, Dallas had told me something that was incorrect. I’d be very surprised if Mr Taylor made any financial contribution,” Whitelaw said.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Taylor said he was “not a party to the matters before the commission, nor has he been approached”.

“These matters should be allowed to run their course free from political interference or commentary. As such the Leader will not be providing a running commentary on any matters before the commission. Donations and fundraising activities are declared in accordance with the rules and are a matter for the Party,” Taylor’s office said.

Taylor’s deputy, senator Jane Hume, said she would not comment on the inquiry.

“It’s most important here that we allow the commission, the inquiry to undertake its role, free of political interference and free of commentary … If there are any allegations of inappropriate use of donations, that’s really a matter for the NSW division of the party,” she told Sky News.

“Donations are always disclosed in a fully transparent and legally appropriate way.”

Dan Tehan, the show minister for energy, told the ABC that politicians should “let Icac do its job.”

The shadow treasurer, Tim Wilson, on Wednesday said he had no knowledge of the case, saying Icac “should be left to do their job”. Liberal MP Mary Aldred on Tuesday said Taylor was not involved in the process.

The Icac hearings continue.