Silk tie and sharp tongue: David Elliott’s take-no-prisoners ICAC appearance

August 21, 2026 — 5:43pm

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.

Marching down Elizabeth Street, his silk regimental tie from Duntroon military college tucked neatly into his charcoal suit, former army officer and ex-Liberal minister David Elliott presented a stark contrast to the parade of reluctant witnesses who have arrived at the ICAC over the past month.

“Justice will prevail!” he said enthusiastically to the cameras before catching the lift to the 7th floor of the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s hearing room.

David Andrew Elliott, who had eight portfolios during his time in parliament, declined the offer of a “Section 38” declaration, which effectively ensures the evidence you give before the ICAC can’t be used against you in future proceedings, unless you are caught lying.

Elliott was taken through the role played by fugitive property developer Jean Nassif, along with members of the Opus Dei “religious right” as Elliot described them, in attempting to topple him.

Nassif felt that Elliott, as the local member, was blocking his developments.

Nassif, who is wanted for serious fraud charges, fled to Lebanon in December 2022 on the eve of a NSW parliamentary inquiry examining........

© The Sydney Morning Herald