{
  "id": 2325349,
  "title": "Ex-minister threatens legal action over 'slanderous' comments",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/ex-minister-threatens-legal-action-over-slanderous-comments",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T07:04:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-21/ex-nsw-police-minister-david-elliott-gives-evidence-at-icac/107064248"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ex-police minister David Elliott expressed his intention to pursue legal action against individuals he believes have made slanderous comments about him following a corruption watchdog hearing. The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating claims that donations from fugitive property developer Jean Nassif led to political favors, including attempts to tarnish Elliott's career.\n\nElliott testified before ICAC on Friday, stating that he believes Nassif played a role in his removal as police minister during a 2021 cabinet reshuffle. He alleged that Nassif confronted him twice and left a threatening voicemail. Furthermore, Elliott claimed that private investigators followed him and his wife, and that Nassif pressured his former chief of staff to provide information about Elliott. Elliott also accused some members of the Liberal shadow ministry of participating in corruption, stating that these individuals were involved in the campaign against him.\n\nICAC has previously heard allegations that senior Liberal MPs Chris Rath and Damien Tudehope had contact with individuals attempting to avoid providing evidence to a 2023 parliamentary inquiry. Rath allegedly assisted lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood in staying informed about efforts to serve him with a summons, while Tudehope is accused of passing a confidential committee report to Greenwood. Neither Tudehope nor Greenwood have been charged with any crimes.\n\nElliott further claimed that Nassif influenced the decision to remove him from his position after learning about police being present at The Star casino, where Nassif was arrested for cocaine possession in 2019. Elliott believes that Nassif orchestrated a negative media campaign against him, targeting his career after responding to community concerns about one of his developments.",
  "summary": "On Friday, NSW former police minister David Elliott gave evidence to ICAC, telling reporters afterward he is considering legal action against \"slanderous\" comments.",
  "key_points": [
    "David Elliott threatens legal action over slanderous comments.",
    "NSW ICAC investigates donations from Jean Nassif to political favors.",
    "Elliott claims Nassif orchestrated negative media campaign against him."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}