Icac inquiry raises questions over whether taxpayer funds were used in alleged illegal political donations
Summary
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) is investigating allegations that Catholic Schools NSW made undeclared political donations exceeding legal limits. Experts and politicians are calling for audits to ensure taxpayer funds used by Catholic schools are spent properly and not directed toward political purposes.Key Facts
- Catholic Schools NSW is under Icac investigation for alleged undisclosed and excessive donations to the Liberal party.
- The donations are said to have been approved by the Catholic Schools NSW chief executive, Dallas McInerney, possibly to influence party membership.
- Catholic Schools NSW oversees nearly 600 schools and receives about 80% of its funding from federal and state governments, totaling around $3.8 billion in 2024.
- If found to serve a political purpose, Catholic Schools NSW risks losing its charity status and tax exemptions.
- Education experts stress the need for joint audits by state and federal governments to check proper use of public funds.
- The NSW government plans to wait for Icac’s initial findings before ordering any separate audit.
- The NSW Greens have called for stopping all public funding to Catholic Schools NSW during the investigation.
- Legal and political figures emphasize stricter rules and transparency for private schools receiving public money.
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