Angus Taylor has firmly stated that no payments were made in relation to a corruption case involving members of the New South Wales Liberal party, while also insisting he is not a party to the proceedings - a phrase he repeated so often it could become a drinking game.

During a press conference in Queensland on Wednesday morning, Taylor was asked about being named as a potential donor to a conservative Liberal group known as the Reformers, currently under investigation by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac). “I’m not going to give a running commentary on all of this. I’m not a party to the proceedings, but no payment was made,” Taylor said. When asked about a specific text message referencing a $10,000 contribution, Taylor reiterated: “No payment was made.”

The text in question, read aloud at the inquiry, allegedly came from Dallas McInerney, chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, who wrote: “I have breakfast club with ministers this Thursday morning, who can I get an update from? Re SCD progress in the last six to 12 months. I want to shake down Angus for 10k.” Dylan Whitelaw, a former NSW Liberal parliamentary staffer and Reformers associate, testified that he assumed “Angus” referred to Angus Taylor.

Another message from days later allegedly stated: “Dallas has told me he got the commitment from Angus, the 15k injection plus a 3k monthly donation!” Whitelaw said he did not recall sending that message, nor did he recall Taylor making any financial contribution. “Potentially, Dallas had told me something that was incorrect. I’d be very surprised if Mr Taylor made any financial contribution,” Whitelaw added, offering a masterclass in plausible deniability.

Taylor’s office issued a statement saying he was “not a party to the matters before the commission, nor has he been approached,” and that “donations and fundraising activities are declared in accordance with the rules.” Fellow Liberals closed ranks, with deputy Jane Hume, energy minister Dan Tehan, and shadow treasurer Tim Wilson all echoing the same refrain: let Icac do its job. Because when in doubt, trust the process - especially when it involves not answering questions.