Liberal Minister’s Career Targeted by ‘Shit Sheet’ of Allegations, ICAC Hears in Damning Probe into NSW Corruption
- A former Liberal staffer has revealed a “shit sheet” was created to damage the career of former minister David Elliott, containing a list of political and personal allegations.
- The ICAC has heard senior Liberal Party operatives were behind the document, which included claims of an extramarital affair and a past controversy involving a gun.
- Mr Elliott has denied all allegations, calling them a result of “standard factional warfare” within the Liberal Party.
- The probe has raised questions about the integrity of the NSW Liberal Party and the influence of lobbyists and donors.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has heard explosive allegations that a former Liberal minister was targeted by a “shit sheet” of damaging claims, in a bid to destroy his career.
The shocking revelation has raised serious questions about the integrity of the NSW Liberal Party and the influence of lobbyists and donors.
Former Liberal staffer Dylan Whitelaw gave evidence to the ICAC, revealing that he had helped compile a list of past controversies surrounding former minister David Elliott.
The list, which included an incident where Mr Elliott was photographed firing a gun at a Corrective Services NSW property, was allegedly used to create a “shit sheet” aimed at damaging Mr Elliott’s political standing.
Mr Whitelaw claimed that senior Liberal Party operatives, including lobbyists Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis, were behind the document.
He believed their actions were motivated by an internal factional conflict within the Liberal Party, rather than being directed by fugitive property developer Jean Nassif, who is also being investigated by the ICAC.
“I think it comes back to the standard factional warfare that occurs inside political parties,” Mr Whitelaw told the commission.
“The right wing of the Liberal Party had a hatred of the centre-right or the [federal MP] Alex Hawke faction, of which Mr Elliott was a leading figure.”
The ICAC also heard that Mr Greenwood and Mr Ellis claimed to have photographs of Mr Elliott allegedly involved in an extramarital affair. However, Mr Whitelaw said he was not shown any images and was only told that the pair had “something” on Mr Elliott.
Mr Elliott has denied all allegations, releasing a statement saying he was “looking forward to the possibility of providing my own observations should the commission see fit to invite me to give evidence.” His lawyer, Bruce Levet, challenged Mr Whitelaw’s evidence, suggesting that no photograph existed of Mr Elliott “leaving the residence of another woman”.
Security analysts say the allegations raise serious concerns about the influence of lobbyists and donors on the NSW Liberal Party. “This is a classic case of the corrupting influence of money and power in politics,” one analyst said.
“The fact that senior Liberal Party operatives were allegedly involved in creating a ‘shit sheet’ to damage a minister’s career is a damning indictment of the party’s culture.”
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The ICAC’s probe into the NSW Liberal Party has far-reaching implications for Australian democracy. The allegations of corruption and influence peddling raise serious questions about the integrity of our political system.
If true, the claims suggest that the pursuit of power and influence can lead even senior politicians to engage in unscrupulous behavior.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in politics.
“This is a wake-up call for all politicians and parties to ensure that they are operating with the highest level of integrity,” one insider said.
Industry observers believe that the probe will have significant consequences for the NSW Liberal Party, potentially leading to changes in leadership and policy. “This is a crisis moment for the party,” one observer said.
“They need to take swift and decisive action to restore public trust.”
The ICAC’s findings will have significant implications for the people of NSW, who deserve to know that their politicians are acting in their best interests. As the probe continues, Australians will be watching closely to see how the Liberal Party responds to these damning allegations.
