Education Minister Adrian Piccoli was not the first politician to enjoy the hospitality of Maureen Houssein-Mustafa, owner of the private college that is under police investigation over alleged rorting of state government subsidies.

As Mr Piccoli revealed that allegations about the Glebe college have been referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, it emerged that the millionaire businesswoman was the co-host of a $1500 a head fund-raiser for former Liberal leader John Brogden, held at her Drummoyne apartment in 2004 with a guest list that included former MP Peta Seaton and one-time property developer Rodric David.

Attended fund-raiser: Former Liberal leader John Brogden. Credit:Andrew Taylor

Ms Houssein-Mustafa was a fund-raiser for both the Liberal and National parties, a skill she learnt through a personal connection with the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, previously headed by disgraced businessman Nick Di Girolamo.

Her legal political donations came to light on Tuesday during a heated public hearing into state budget estimates with Mr Piccoli questioned over his attendance at a cocktail party hosted by Ms Houssein-Mustafa while he was in opposition in 2010.