Former NSW Liberal police and transport minister David Elliot is scheduled to present proof on Friday earlier than the Unbiased Fee In opposition to Corruption (ICAC) as a part of an ongoing investigation into alleged ties between influential Liberal celebration figures and a fugitive property developer. The inquiry is analyzing claims that political donations have been exchanged for help in advancing the pursuits of developer Jean Nassif.
ICAC Investigation Focuses on Alleged Political Affect
The ICAC’s investigation has beforehand heard particulars of a doc described as a “David Elliott shit sheet.” This file, allegedly compiled by Liberal staffer Dylan Whitelaw beneath the course of Liberal-affiliated lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood, reportedly contained delicate private details about Mr. Elliot, together with allegations of an extramarital affair and particulars of an incident the place he was photographed firing a sub-machine gun at a correctional facility.
Throughout earlier testimony, Mr. Whitelaw acknowledged that the creation of the doc might have served the pursuits of Mr. Nassif. Nevertheless, Mr. Greenwood, when questioned concerning the file, said that its goal was to not grant Mr. Nassif political leverage. As an alternative, he asserted that the doc was supposed to counter assaults directed at Mr. Nassif by Mr. Elliot, who was the police minister on the time.
A authorized consultant for Mr. Elliot later indicated that Mr. Elliot and Mr. Greenwood had not met. Mr. Elliot himself issued a press release strongly refuting all accusations made by Mr. Whitelaw and his associates, whom he characterised as belonging to the “non secular proper of the Liberal Social gathering.” The investigation is particularly wanting into allegations that Liberal operatives accepted donations in alternate for actions that might additional Mr. Nassif’s enterprise aims, together with efforts to wreck the repute of political opponents like Mr. Elliot.
Allegations of Strain on Constructing Commissioner
The probe has additionally delved into separate however doubtlessly associated allegations regarding makes an attempt to affect authorities officers. On Thursday, the inquiry heard proof relating to an alleged plot to exert stress on one other adversary of Mr. Nassif throughout the authorities construction. This concerned Constructing Commissioner David Chandler, who briefly resigned in 2022.
Mr. Chandler’s momentary departure adopted an inside investigation initiated by the workplace of Eleni Petinos, who was his portfolio minister on the time. Mr. Chandler, recognized for his public stance in opposition to builders deemed to be working improperly, was in the end cleared of any wrongdoing and subsequently returned to his place.
Ms. Petinos testified that in her tenure as truthful buying and selling minister, she skilled “delicate” stress from people inside political factions to take motion in opposition to Mr. Chandler. She additionally recalled “feedback made in passing” from Charles Perrottet, the brother of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, and one other conservative determine, Chris Spence. These remarks, she recommended, pertained to the Constructing Commissioner.
Chief of Employees’s Testimony on Alleged Plot
Additional testimony got here from Cassandra Lawry, Ms. Petinos’s chief of workers. Ms. Lawry alleged {that a} video, which she was informed may very well be used to “eliminate” Mr. Chandler, was dropped at her consideration. This revelation added a brand new dimension to the inquiry’s examination of potential conspiracies in opposition to Mr. Chandler.
Throughout questioning by counsel aiding Peggy Dwyer SC, Ms. Petinos was requested if she suspected that she or her workplace had been “used to attempt to eliminate Mr Chandler.” Ms. Petinos responded affirmatively, stating that she had come to that realization “subsequently.” She expressed robust disapproval of the alleged conduct, remarking, “Frankly, even the little I knew coming into right here at the moment is sufficient to go away me disgusted and to really feel like private relationships have been lent on in a extremely improper method, and that is not somebody that you’d name a pal.”
Broader Implications for Political Integrity
The ICAC’s ongoing examination seeks to uncover the extent of any improper relationships between political figures, lobbyists, and builders. The allegations recommend a sample of conduct the place private and political affect might have been leveraged to learn particular people, doubtlessly on the expense of public belief and truthful governance. The testimony from Mr. Elliot and the detailed accounts relating to Mr. Chandler’s scenario are essential components within the fee’s efforts to establish the info and decide if corruption or misconduct has occurred.
The investigation continues to discover the intricate internet of connections and alleged dealings, aiming to offer readability on the conduct of these concerned and to bolster the significance of transparency and accountability in public workplace. The outcomes of this probe might have important implications for political practices and regulatory oversight inside New South Wales.
