The Icac inquiry into NSW Liberal branch stacking allegations has revealed that a key figure, Christian Ellis, has relocated to the UK and is not expected to give evidence during eight weeks of public hearings. This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing Operation Rosny hearings, which examine possible electoral funding offences and prohibited donations.
What Is the Icac Inquiry About?
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) is investigating two main allegations. First, that Liberal figures including Ellis and Robert Assaf solicited or accepted donations from prohibited donors or amounts exceeding caps, used to recruit or renew party members—a practice known as branch stacking. Second, that between 2020 and 2023, fugitive property developer Jean Nassif and his company Toplace made prohibited donations, solicited or accepted by Liberals including Ellis, in exchange for pursuing outcomes sought by Nassif.
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Operation Rosny Hearings
Public hearings began on Monday with hotelier Michael O’Hara as the first witness. Later in the week, former Liberal staffer Dylan Whitelaw and consultant Robert Assaf are scheduled to appear. Whitelaw is not named in the Icac allegations. Ellis, a former registered lobbyist and Liberal powerbroker who once received a glowing endorsement from federal opposition leader Angus Taylor, is named in both allegations but is not expected to appear. A 2023 parliamentary inquiry preceded Icac’s current examination of possible offences under the Electoral Funding Act.
| Allegation | Key Figures | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Branch stacking via prohibited or undeclared donations | Christian Ellis, Robert Assaf | Under investigation; Ellis moved to UK |
| Prohibited donations from Jean Nassif/Toplace | Christian Ellis, Jean Nassif | Nassif is a fugitive; Ellis not appearing |
Key Takeaways
- Christian Ellis, a former Liberal powerbroker, has relocated to the UK and will not testify at Icac hearings.
- Icac is examining two separate allegations of electoral funding violations and prohibited donations.
- The Operation Rosny hearings will last eight weeks, starting with Michael O’Hara.
- Branch stacking involves recruiting party members in exchange for donations, often exceeding legal caps.
- The 2023 parliamentary inquiry laid groundwork for the current Icac investigation.
FAQ
FAQ
Who is Christian Ellis?
Christian Ellis is a former registered lobbyist and Liberal party powerbroker. He received a public endorsement from federal opposition leader Angus Taylor and is named in two Icac allegations related to branch stacking and prohibited donations.
Why is Christian Ellis not expected to appear at the Icac hearings?
Ellis has moved to the United Kingdom and is not expected to give evidence during the eight-week public hearings. His absence follows a 2023 parliamentary inquiry where he also did not appear.
What is branch stacking in the context of this inquiry?
Branch stacking refers to the practice of recruiting or renewing party members in exchange for donations, including from prohibited donors, often in amounts that exceed legal caps or go undeclared. This is the central accusation in one of Icac's two allegations.
What role did Jean Nassif play in the allegations?
Fugitive property developer Jean Nassif and his company Toplace are accused of making prohibited donations to Liberal figures, including Ellis, in exchange for outcomes sought by Nassif, such as influence over local council elections.
The Icac inquiry continues to uncover potential breaches of electoral law, with implications for New South Wales political integrity. Stay informed as further hearings unfold.
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