Former Liberal police and transport minister David Elliot is scheduled to give evidence on Friday to the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) as part of an investigation into alleged ties between influential Liberal party figures and a fugitive property developer. The inquiry is examining claims that political donations were exchanged for advancing the interests of developer Jean Nassif, including actions aimed at damaging Mr. Elliot’s public standing.
The ‘David Elliot Shit Sheet’
During testimony in July, the ICAC heard details of a salacious document referred to as the “David Elliot shit sheet.” This file reportedly contained allegations of an extramarital affair and information about an incident where Mr. Elliot was photographed firing a sub-machine gun at a correctional facility.
Liberal staffer Dylan Whitelaw testified that he compiled the document under the direction of Liberal-affiliated lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood. Mr. Whitelaw acknowledged that the creation of the file could have served the interests of developer Jean Nassif. Mr. Greenwood, when questioned about the document, stated that its purpose was not to help Mr. Nassif gain political leverage. Instead, he claimed it was intended to defend Mr. Nassif against attacks from Mr. Elliot, who was the police minister at the time.
However, a lawyer representing Mr. Elliot later asserted that Mr. Elliot and Mr. Greenwood had never met. Mr. Elliot himself issued a statement vehemently rejecting “all accusations made by the young boy Dylan, and his colleagues on the religious right of the Liberal Party,” in response to the allegations contained within the “dirt sheet.”
Broader Investigation into Political Influence
The ICAC’s investigation extends beyond the “dirt sheet” to explore a wider pattern of alleged corruption. Specifically, the commission is looking into claims that Liberal operatives accepted donations with the understanding that they would act to further Mr. Nassif’s interests. This includes allegations of efforts to undermine political opponents, such as Mr. Elliot.
Allegations Against Building Commissioner
Further complicating the inquiry, evidence emerged on Thursday concerning an alleged plot to exert pressure on another government adversary of Mr. Nassif. Building Commissioner David Chandler reportedly faced an internal investigation and briefly resigned in 2022. This investigation was initiated by the office of Eleni Petinos, who was his portfolio minister.
Mr. Chandler, known for his public stance against unscrupulous developers, was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing and subsequently returned to his position. Ms. Petinos provided testimony detailing “subtle” attempts by factional players to influence her to take action against Mr. Chandler during her tenure as fair trading minister.
She also recalled “comments made in passing” from Charles Perrottet, the brother of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, and another conservative figure, Chris Spence. Cassandra Lawry, Ms. Petinos’s chief of staff, alleged that a video clip, purportedly capable of “getting rid of” Mr. Chandler, was brought to her attention.
Ministerial Suspicions of Being Used
During questioning, counsel assisting the commission, Peggy Dwyer SC, asked Ms. Petinos if she suspected that she or her office had been “used to try and get rid of Mr Chandler.” Ms. Petinos responded that “subsequently” she had come to that conclusion.
Reflecting on the revelations, Ms. Petinos expressed her dismay. “Frankly, even the little I knew coming into here today is enough to leave me disgusted and to feel like personal relationships were lent on in a highly improper way, and that’s not someone that you would call a friend,” she stated. The ICAC continues its work to uncover the full extent of any improper influence and corruption within the state’s political and development sectors.
