Former NSW Police and Transport Minister David Elliott has vehemently denied allegations of an extramarital affair, dismissing them as baseless attacks orchestrated by political rivals. The accusations surfaced during a corruption inquiry examining alleged illicit political donations and branch-stacking within the NSW Liberal Party.
Allegations Emerge in ‘Dirt File’
The controversy centers on a document referred to as the ‘David Elliott Shit Sheet,’ reportedly compiled by a former Liberal Party operative. This dossier allegedly contained damaging personal information, including claims of an affair, intended to tarnish Elliott’s reputation. Evidence presented at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) suggested the document was emailed to Liberal Party-affiliated lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood.
Dylan Whitelaw, a former Liberal apparatchik appearing before the ICAC, admitted the existence of the detrimental dossier. When questioned by counsel assisting Juliet Curtin, Whitelaw acknowledged a potential link between the document and fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. Curtin suggested the dossier was prepared on Greenwood’s instructions to serve Nassif’s business interests, particularly his expansion in Sydney’s northwest, where he allegedly collaborated closely with the Reformers, a conservative Christian faction within the NSW Liberals.
“I had no idea at the time,” Whitelaw stated regarding the specific intent behind the document’s creation. “It would appear to me just standard factional warfare – on reflection, absolutely, that’s what it appears to be.”
Elliott’s Strong Rebuttal
David Elliott, who belonged to a rival center-right faction, unequivocally rejected the accusations. He characterized the allegations as the work of “the young boy, Dylan, and his colleagues on the religious right of the Liberal Party.”
In a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald, Elliott asserted his commitment to his marriage. “As most of Sydney knows, I’m a devoted husband of 30 years to a beautiful woman who doesn’t deserve to be treated like this by the party she has sacrificed so much for,” he declared. Elliott retired from politics in 2023 after his parliamentary seat was abolished, and subsequent attempts to secure a neighboring electorate were reportedly hindered by internal party disputes.
Broader Corruption Probe Context
The ICAC’s ‘Operation Rosny’ is investigating a range of alleged corrupt practices, including improper political donations and the manipulation of party membership numbers (branch-stacking). Several prominent figures are implicated, including individuals associated with the brothers of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.
Earlier in the inquiry, explosive phone recordings were played, featuring Jean Nassif allegedly making threats to personally target David Elliott. These recordings underscored the intense animosity between the developer and the former minister.
The ‘dirt file’ also contained criticisms leveled against Elliott by Greens Senator David Shoebridge during a December 2020 budget estimates hearing. At the time, Shoebridge, then a member of the NSW upper house, questioned Elliott’s decision to fire a submachine gun at a rifle range for prison officers.
Senator Shoebridge’s Disappointment
Senator Shoebridge expressed dismay at the nature of the proceedings, telling AAP, “The more I see of this lot, the less respect I have for them. Instead of trying to make the state better or the nation run better, these Liberals have been busy gathering dirt files to take down their members.”
Connections to Other Figures
The inquiry has also heard testimony regarding alleged financial dealings involving other political figures. Claims were made by former NSW Catholic Schools boss Dallas McInerney suggesting that federal Liberal leader Angus Taylor had agreed to facilitate payments to the Reformers faction. A text message presented at the inquiry read, “I want to shake down Angus for 10K.”
Angus Taylor, who is not currently under investigation by the ICAC, denied making any donations to the ultra-conservative faction. The inquiry is examining three central allegations of corrupt conduct, described as stemming from a “confluence of personal greed and political ambitions.”
Jean Nassif’s Status
Jean Nassif remains at the heart of the investigation. NSW Police have issued an arrest warrant for the property developer, who is believed to be residing in Lebanon, following a two-year fraud investigation. His company, Toplace, has seen 57 associated companies enter administration.
The ICAC’s Operation Rosny is scheduled to resume its proceedings on Thursday.
