Minister Bronnie Taylor’s adviser Katia Pearsall charged with credit card fraud

A senior adviser working for Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor has been charged with credit card fraud after allegedly using her colleagues’ banking details to buy food.

A senior adviser working for NSW Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor has been charged with credit card fraud after allegedly using her colleague’s private banking details to buy food.

It’s alleged that between January 2020 and October 2021, National Party supporter Katia Pearsall, 26, made “dozens of orders” to a food delivery service using a female colleague’s private credit card.

In October 2021, a 34-year-old woman went to Riverwood Police Station “to report alleged fraudulent transactions found on her online banking app”, police said.

Police said the two women were known to each other.

Katia Persall.

Regional Health and Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor.

Ms Pearsall, from Marsfield, previously worked as an executive assistant to Oxley National Party MP Melinda Pavey until May 2021.

It is understood the alleged offences occurred while Ms Pearsall was working at both offices over a 20-month period. Mrs Pavey declined to comment.

Officers from St George Police area command began an investigation into Ms Pearsall in October last year.

On Friday night, Ms Pearsall was served a court attendance notice for “dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception”, police said.

She is due to appear in Sutherland Local Court on September 27.

A spokesman for Ms Taylor said: “The staff member is currently on extended sick leave. The allegation is a personal matter between the two parties and did not involve government property or workplace.”

“At no stage has either party requested the Minister’s office take steps in relation to the alleged offence or the workplace.

“We first became aware of the alleged offence after it had become a police matter, not before.”

A spokeswoman for Premier Dominic Perrottet said “Premier’s Office action in relation to this matter always proceeded by reference to advice from DPC and in a manner respectful of the express wishes of the alleged victim”.

“At the time of learning of this matter, the Premier’s Office understood that police were already involved,” she said.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further on matters that are now before the courts.”