Construction boss George Alex has launched an appeal against his convictions and prison sentence for his role in a $10 million tax fraud scheme, after being granted bail last year while awaiting the outcome.
Alex was sentenced in December 2024 to a maximum of nine years and three months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of overseeing a labour-hire operation that avoided millions of dollars in tax obligations between 2018 and 2020.
However, it can be revealed for the first time that he was released on strict bail conditions in August 2025 after successfully arguing there were exceptional circumstances warranting his release pending appeal.
Appearing before the NSW Supreme Court on Monday, June 15, Alex sought to have his convictions overturned or, failing that, his sentence reduced.
His legal team argued the trial was affected by alleged juror misconduct, claiming one juror conducted online research about Alex during proceedings and that the information may have spread to others on the jury.
“There is a risk of a substantial miscarriage of justice,” defence barrister Tim Game SC told the court.
The appeal also raises concerns about how the trial judge handled the removal of two jurors and whether directions given to the remaining jurors were adequate.
Crown prosecutor Elizabeth H Ruddle KC rejected those claims, arguing there was no evidence the jury had been improperly influenced.
“There is not a sufficient finding of apprehended bias by this jury,” she said.
Alex was convicted alongside several co-conspirators over a scheme that siphoned off more than $100,000 a week in unpaid pay-as-you-go tax. At sentencing, the court found he received the “lion’s share” of the criminal proceeds.
He remains on conditional bail, which includes daily police reporting, a curfew and the surrender of his passport.
The appeal, which is also being pursued by several of Alex’s co-offenders, is expected to conclude later this week. Justice Anthony Payne, Justice Anna Mitchelmore and Acting Justice Robert Allan Hulme are presiding over the hearing.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
