And notes shown during the public hearing have been suggested to show that Greg Jones, a former Labor staffer and lifelong friend of Mr Macdonald, has channelled thousands of dollars in secret payments to his old mate.

Mr Jones said he told Mr Macdonald that he would reap millions of dollars himself from the same mine, and that he could use this money to invest in businesses Mr Macdonald was planning for life after politics.

Greg Jones leaves ICAC after giving evidence on Thursday. Credit:Ben Rushton

He admitted lending Mr Macdonald $195,000 during the same period, thousands of which he wrote off and Mr Macdonald never repaid. Mr Jones has also confirmed that his own handwritten notes, shown at the inquiry, correctly recorded that he had given $35,000 "in cash and gifts" to Mr Macdonald.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating Mr Macdonald's role in the coal tender, including a $75 million windfall that was to make its way to Mr Obeid and his family.