James Packer, John Howard and Cardinal George Pell Part of Secret Chartwell Society

By Yoni Bashan
Herald Sun
June 2, 2013

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/james-packer-john-howard-and-cardinal-george-pell-part-of-secret-chartwell-society/story-fnii5s3y-1226655030082

Australian Cardinal George Pell.

James Packer has given pep-talks to Chartwell House members

Britain's Duke of Gloucester.

MAJOR Australian personalities including James Packer, John Howard and Cardinal George Pell - plus a minor British royal - have been giving political pep-talks to Liberal MPs during secret luncheon meetings held across Sydney.

The exclusive gatherings, known as the "Chartwell Society", have seen a cross-factional band of ambitious MPs taking tips from major figures on the world stage during regular, invite-only gatherings.

Among those who have addressed the Chartwell MPs - whose group is named after former British prime minister Winston Churchill's country home - are former prime minister John Howard, former chief of army Peter Cosgrove and even Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester.

The gatherings aim to "critically evaluate policy", the group's organiser David Elliott, a Liberal MP, told The Sunday Telegraph.

The most recent function was held on Friday at the Australian Hotels Association plush Macquarie St boardroom with Cardinal George Pell attending as the guest of honour at a gathering of 11 Coalition MPs.

Separate gatherings have been held at universities, churches and corporate boardrooms.

The precise nature of the discussions are kept strictly confidential.

Among those who attended Friday's gathering were Tony Issa, Matt Kean, Dom Perrottet, Peter Phelps, John O'Day, Kevin Conolly, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, Ray Williams and former police officer Bryan Doyle - all movers and shakers in government circles outside cabinet.

The club is also off-limits to ministers.

Mr Elliott said the Chartwell Society had met about a dozen times since last year and its success had depended on its secrecy.

He refused to confirm which guest speakers had been invited.

"It's a society of Liberal MPs and it's there to encourage open debate between MPs and religious leaders, opinion makers and other senior community leaders," Mr Elliott told The Sunday Telegraph.

"It's not a secret, but it's Chatham House rules because it's important that MPs can have a full and frank discussion with prominent Australians.

"Anything that's going to critically evaluate policy is a good thing and that's why we established this society, so we don't go into the lawmaking business with our heads in the sand."