Former NSW Liberal powerbroker at heart of Icac allegations now living in UK and not expected to appear

ICAC Investigation Target Christian Ellis Relocates to Britain Ahead of Hearings

Wanderstayfinder.com – A prominent figure at the center of an anti-corruption probe concerning the New South Wales Liberal party has relocated to the United Kingdom and is unlikely to testify during eight weeks of public hearings. The Independent Commission Against Corruption will commence its Operation Rosny proceedings on Monday.

Upcoming Witnesses and Investigation Scope

The initial witness scheduled to appear is hotelier Michael O’Hara, with former Liberal staffer Dylan Whitelaw and consultant Robert Assaf following later in the week. Both O’Hara and Assaf rank among ten individuals that ICAC has confirmed it is examining. Whitelaw, however, does not appear in the formal ICAC allegations. Christian Ellis, a former registered lobbyist and Liberal powerbroker who once received a glowing endorsement from the federal opposition leader, Angus Taylor, is named in two ICAC allegations but is not expected to appear. A 2023 parliamentary inquiry preceded ICAC’s current examination of “possible offences under the Electoral Funding Act”. Since that parliamentary inquiry, Ellis has moved to the UK, Guardian Australia can reveal.

Core Allegations Under Review

ICAC is investigating several allegations, firstly that Liberal figures, including Ellis and Assaf, “solicited or accepted” donations, including from prohibited donors, in amounts which were undeclared or exceeded caps, to recruit or renew members to the party – a practice known as “branch stacking”. The corruption watchdog is examining a second allegation that between 2020 and 2023, the fugitive property developer Jean Nassif and his company, Toplace, made prohibited donations solicited or accepted by Liberals, including Ellis, “in exchange for the pursuit of outcomes sought by Mr Nassif”.

Origins of the Investigation

The 2023 parliamentary inquiry was prompted by allegations made in a 2022 speech under parliamentary privilege by the Liberal MP Ray Williams that Nassif had met Ellis and other senior Liberals, who were paid significant funds to arrange for new councillors to be elected to the Hills Shire council. Ellis did not appear at the 2023 inquiry because he could not be served with summons after multiple attempts. The inquiry’s final report recommended that Ellis be called before any future inquiry to give evidence.

Professional Background and Political Connections

Ellis, a director and shareholder of the former registered lobbying firm Beckington, whose clients included Toplace, was elected to the NSW Liberal state executive in 2019, following which he stepped down as director in favour of his wife. In 2022, Taylor wrote an endorsement of Ellis for a position on the NSW party’s state council, saying “our party will do well to have people like Christian elected to positions of state council”.

Our party will do well to have people like Christian elected to positions of state council.

Taylor, now the federal Liberal leader, is not accused of any wrongdoing. Ellis declined to comment when asked about the ICAC allegations and his move overseas. The relocation of Ellis to the UK adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, particularly given that ICAC may need to consider alternative methods for obtaining his testimony if his presence becomes necessary. The eight-week hearing period will test whether the commission can proceed effectively without one of its central figures. Legal experts note that while ICAC can compel witnesses to appear, the practical challenges of international proceedings cannot be entirely dismissed. The commission has previously demonstrated flexibility in handling cases involving overseas-based individuals. The allegations against Ellis touch on fundamental questions about political funding transparency and the integrity of party membership processes in New South Wales. If proven, the findings could have significant implications for both individual politicians and the broader Liberal party structure. As the hearings approach, attention remains focused on whether Ellis’s absence will impact the commission’s ability to present a comprehensive case. The upcoming testimony from O’Hara, Whitelaw, and Assaf will provide crucial context for understanding the allegations against Ellis and other Liberal figures under investigation.