Ex-minister threatens legal action over 'slanderous' comments

Former NSW Liberal minister David Elliott has announced plans to pursue legal action against individuals he claims made "slanderous" remarks about him during a recent corruption watchdog hearing. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating whether donations tied to fugitive property developer Jean Nassif were used to secure political favors, including actions intended to harm Mr Elliott’s career. Elliott, who once held the position of police minister, testified before the ICAC on Friday. After his testimony, he stated he would consult with his legal team regarding potential action against those he believes should be investigated. However, he did not specify which individuals he intended to target. He emphasized that the battle against corruption in the NSW Parliament is ongoing, accusing members of the Liberal shadow ministry of continuing to associate with figures involved in alleged criminal activities. The ICAC previously heard allegations that senior Liberal MPs Chris Rath and Damien Tudehope maintained communication with individuals attempting to evade providing evidence to a 2023 parliamentary inquiry. Mr Rath was reportedly aiding lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood in staying updated on efforts to serve him with a summons, while Mr Tudehope was accused of sharing a confidential committee report with Greenwood. Although Tudehope has not faced accusations of wrongdoing, Greenwood and others under scrutiny have not been formally charged with any offenses. Elliott told the commission he believed Nassif influenced the decision to remove him as police minister during a 2021 cabinet reshuffle. He connected this move to Nassif’s 2019 arrest for cocaine possession at The Star Casino, suggesting Nassif might have blamed him for the police presence at the venue. “I think Nassif had probably made it clear to the hard-right that because he’d got arrested for cocaine, that I wasn’t to be trusted with the police force,” Elliott stated. Elliott also claimed that Nassif orchestrated a campaign against him, citing instances where private investigators followed him and his wife. He described surveillance images of his wife as “very creepy.” Additionally, he alleged that Nassif pressured his former chief of staff for information about him and warned that his political future could be jeopardized. Ultimately, Elliott chose not to run for preselection in the Castle Hill electorate, stating that branch-stacking indicated the seat would be allocated to a candidate aligned with the party’s “religious right.” When asked about the internal divisions within the NSW Liberal Party, Elliott noted varying terminology used to describe these factions. “Depending on who you're talking to, some call it the hard right, some call it the right, some call it the religious right, some call it the cult,” he remarked. This highlights the complex and often contentious nature of party dynamics within the state government.