Developer John Woodman caught counting cash in patisserie window
Ferrari-driving developer John Woodman was photographed counting cash while sitting in a patisserie. Code-named “the package”, the money was given to a lobbyist to deliver to its intended destination.
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Multi-millionaire developer John Woodman was snapped in a city patisserie counting cash to be handed to a former Casey mayor.
Anti-corruption investigators tailing the developer photographed his assistant, Joeleen Rohm, withdrawing money from an ATM on January 31 this year.
The Ferrari-driving developer then “counted” the cash while sitting in the front window of Serano Patisserie on St Kilda Rd. The money was handed to lobbyist Lorraine Wreford, and later delivered to councillor Sam Aziz.
IBAC was told last week Mr Woodman and Ms Wreford used code names “the package” or “the suitcase” to discuss the payments.
Mr Woodman claimed they were made as interest repayments on $600,000 Cr Aziz gave him to hold.
The payments and other allegations of planning-related corruption are at the centre of a major Independent Anti-Corruption Commission probe.
Mr Woodman has been painted during public hearings as a powerful “kingmaker”, who influenced how Casey councillors voted.
Counsel assisting the commission, Michael Tovey, on Tuesday accused the developer of “using councillors like pawns on a chessboard”.
In covert recordings aired on day six of hearings, Mr Woodman celebrated former Casey Council chief executive Mike Tyler’s departure and the appointment of his replacement, Glenn Patterson.
“I don’t know when this f---wit’s going to work out that he’s only got the job because of us. Like, um, f---in’ shape up or f--- off,” he said.
Consultant Megan Schutz replied: “I can tell you now it is a lot easier with all our projects now we have him in the role.” But Mr Woodman attempted to hose down a suggestion he installed Mr Patterson as council’s top boss, saying he was simply “big noting” himself.
In another call, Cr Geoff Ablett told Mr Woodman he “nailed” Mr Tyler.
Mr Tyler, who was dubbed an “impediment” to development in Casey, stood down last year after more than two decades at the council.
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Mr Woodman told Cr Ablett: “If it hadn’t been for you, we would have still been putting up with Mike Tyler and his antics.”
Cr Ablett is alleged to have received $330,000 from Mr Woodman or his associated entities. IBAC heard on Tuesday Mr Woodman tried to arrange a $50,000-$70,000 discount on a house-and-land package for Cr Ablett’s daughter.