It was revealed in the media in 2021 that Collier was part of a factional group of powerbrokers within his party known as "The Clan", alongside former federal finance minister Mathias Cormann and Nick Goiran. Leaked WhatsApp messages revealed that Collier sent sexist messages to other group members that referred to female Liberal members as "sandwich makers", "bitches" and "toxic cows".[3]
Politics
Collier first stood for parliament at the 2001 state election, running unsuccessfully in fourth position on the Liberal Party's ticket in North Metropolitan Region.[4] Prior to the election, he had been accused of forging signatures on membership forms and using people's names without their consent in order to secure party preselection. He denied the allegations, and a police investigation found there was "insufficient evidence against him".[5][6] At the 2005 state election, Collier was elevated to second position on the Liberal Party's ticket, and was elected to a term starting in May 2005.[7] One of his unsuccessful opponents for preselection was Alan Cadby, a sitting member, who subsequently resigned from the Liberal Party to sit as an independent.[8]