Damien Tudehope resigns from NSW Liberal frontbench on 6 April 2026

Damien Tudehope has left his frontbench role after being called as a witness in an ICAC probe. This is the first major leadership change for Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane.
By Newsroom | Politics, New South Wales |

Damien Tudehope has resigned from the New South Wales Liberal frontbench following notice that he will be called as a witness in an upcoming Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) public inquiry. The decision, announced yesterday, marks the first significant leadership instability for Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane.

The inquiry centers on allegations involving property developer Jean Nassif and his connections to various political figures, municipal councils, and institutional leaders, including Dallas McInerney, head of Catholic Schools NSW.

StakeholderRole / Connection
Damien TudehopeFormer Finance Minister; frontbench member
Jean NassifFugitive property developer; subject of ICAC probe
Jean-Claude PerrottetFormer Tudehope staffer; brother of Dominic Perrottet
Charles PerrottetNamed as a feature in the ICAC investigation

Networked allegiances and oversight

The investigation traces a complex web of associations within the Liberal party. Documents tabled in the NSW parliament allege that Jean-Claude Perrottet, brother of former premier Dominic Perrottet, held a position on Tudehope’s staff. Reports indicate that both Tudehope and Charles Perrottet are central to the commission's focus.

  • The probe follows a prolonged period of investigative scrutiny into the interplay between political power and property interests in Sydney.

  • Tudehope has maintained high status across various internal party factions prior to his sudden departure from the leadership team.

  • The commission has confirmed that the inquiry into Nassif’s dealings with government entities and private stakeholders will proceed to public hearings.

Context of the inquiry

The ICAC serves as the primary body for investigating public sector corruption in NSW. Its intervention into the ties between property developers and the political apparatus has historically reshaped local administrative landscapes. The current inquiry follows an extensive preparatory investigation period, and Tudehope’s resignation highlights the fragility of the opposition frontbench as the watchdog prepares to examine these specific professional and familial intersections.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Damien Tudehope resign from the NSW Liberal frontbench on 6 April 2026?
Damien Tudehope resigned because he will be called as a witness in an upcoming public inquiry by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). He stepped down to ensure the investigation can proceed without distraction to the Liberal party.
Q: What is the ICAC inquiry involving Jean Nassif about?
The inquiry is investigating allegations of improper connections between property developer Jean Nassif and various political figures, municipal councils, and institutional leaders. It aims to uncover how these relationships may have influenced government decisions.
Q: Who else is mentioned in the ICAC investigation alongside Damien Tudehope?
The investigation includes scrutiny of Jean-Claude Perrottet, a former staffer for Tudehope, and Charles Perrottet. The probe is looking into the professional and familial intersections between these individuals and political power.
Q: How does Damien Tudehope's resignation affect the NSW Liberal party?
His departure creates the first significant leadership instability for Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane. Tudehope was a senior member of the frontbench, and his exit leaves a gap in the party's leadership team during a period of intense public scrutiny.