澳大利亚联邦反对党领袖安格斯·泰勒（Angus Taylor）因涉嫌向保守派宗教派系新南威尔士州改革者党（NSW Reformers）进行政治捐款而受到独立反贪委员会（ICAC）调查[1]。根据ICAC披露的证据，泰勒在2021年同意向该组织捐款15,000澳元用于"注入"，并承诺每月再捐3,000澳元[1]。
多名证人在周二出庭作证，提供了涉及短信和邮件的相关记录[1]。NSW Reformers成员迪伦·惠特洛（Dylan Whitelaw）在该组织的群聊中转述称，达拉斯·麦金内尼（Dallas McInerney）曾告知他"从安格斯那里获得15,000澳元注入，加上每月3,000澳元捐款"[1]。麦金内尼在截图消息中表示"我想从安格斯那里敲竹杠10,000澳元"[1]。
惠特洛承认他和阿萨夫在天主教学校新南威尔士州工作期间参与NSW Reformers活动，估计阿萨夫花费"60%的时间在改革者党，40%在天主教学校"[1]。证人迈克尔·奥哈拉表示曾支持该组织，但后来因州长多米尼克·佩罗特（Dominic Perrottet）在气候变化和原住民旗帜等议题上"变得政治正确"而感到"厌恶"[1]。
针对指控，泰勒的发言人否认其进行了这些捐款，声称"捐款和募资活动按规则申报，是党部的事项"[1]。
Australia's federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor faces corruption allegations after the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) revealed evidence of substantial financial commitments made to a conservative religious faction.[1] According to testimony presented this week, Taylor agreed in 2021 to provide an initial donation of 15,000 Australian dollars to NSW Reformers, followed by ongoing monthly contributions of 3,000 dollars.[1]
Multiple witnesses provided accounts during proceedings that detailed the arrangement through private messages and correspondence.[1] Dylan Whitelaw relayed communications in an NSW Reformers group chat referencing the commitment, stating that Taylor had promised "15k injection, plus 3k a month."[1] Dallas McInerney, in a separate message, indicated plans to secure funds from Taylor, writing "I want to shake down Angus for 10k."[1] Whitelaw acknowledged that he and a colleague named Assaf had undertaken NSW Reformers activities while employed at Catholic Schools NSW, estimating the colleague devoted approximately 60 percent of working time to Reformers and 40 percent to their official position.[1]
Michael O'Hara testified that he had previously supported the organization but became disillusioned, citing Premier Dominic Perrottet's positions on climate change and Indigenous affairs as reasons for his changed stance.[1] A spokesperson for Taylor denied that he made such donations, asserting that "donations and fundraising activities are reported according to rules and are a matter for the party."[1]