The Greens are calling for the controversial Liberal party slush fund, the Free Enterprise Foundation, to be shut down.

Greens spokesperson for democracy Senator Lee Rhiannon said "The Free Enterprise Foundation is toxic to democracy with this fund raising arm of the NSW Liberals laundering more than $700,000 for that party.

"There is now overwhelming evidence before ICAC of the role of Free Enterprise Foundation in funnelling money into the NSW Liberal Party from banned donors.

The case for a national corruption watchdog has been further strengthened with this week’s NSW ICAC hearings. 

Responding to news that Liberal NSW fundraiser Paul Nicolaou is again caught up in ICAC scandals, Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

"It's irresponsible for Group Colleges Australia to retain prominent Liberal fundraiser Paul Nicolaou on their board given his ongoing role in ICAC investigations.

"Surely Group Colleges Australia should suspend Mr Nicolaou's board membership while the current ICAC investigation into Liberal fundraising continues.

Commenting on reports that ICAC has lifted a suppression order on emails between Peta Credlin and Paul Nicolaou, Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

"The ICAC scandals have now reached into the heart of the federal Liberal Party with the Prime Minister's office implicated.

"Emails between Prime Minister Tony Abbott's chief of staff Peta Credlin, controversial Liberal party fundraiser Paul Nicolaou and Brickworks is revealing another layer of political sleaze.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (11:52): I congratulate Senator Janet Rice on taking over the transport portfolio, and I look forward to working with her in this area. She has set out the Greens' very clear case on the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill. I reiterate the Greens' support for Roads to Recovery and black spot funding to improve safety and access on our roads. Some of my work in the portfolio of local government crosses over into this area.

Responding to news that Paul Nicolaou has resigned as the chief executive officer of the Australian Hotels Association, Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

“Prominent Liberal fundraiser Paul Nicolaou should step aside from his senior role with Group Colleges Australia (GCA), while ICAC investigations continue.