Key facts
- Fugitive property developer Jean Nassif appeared at an anti-corruption inquiry via video link from Beirut.
- Nassif, 58, ranted about "crook" politicians and proclaimed his innocence.
- The inquiry is examining allegations of prohibited donations from Nassif to NSW Liberal figures.
- Nassif accused former NSW Liberal minister David Elliott of delaying approvals.
- Nassif accused the building commissioner of lying about defects in his buildings.
- Nassif threatened to withdraw from the inquiry if he was not allowed to present his case.
Fugitive property developer Jean Nassif declared he could not be silenced during a televised hearing with the New South Wales anti-corruption watchdog. Nassif, 58, appeared via video link from his Beirut bedroom on Tuesday as part of an Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) inquiry into allegations against people associated with the NSW Liberals.
Icac is examining whether Liberal figures anticipated receiving $2 million in prohibited donations from Nassif in exchange for political outcomes, including damage to the career of former NSW Liberal minister David Elliott and the removal of then-building commissioner David Chandler.
During questioning by counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC, Nassif launched into a tirade about Elliott and Chandler, NSW politics, and the construction industry. He claimed Elliott had delayed approvals to pressure him, accused the building commissioner of lying about defects in his buildings, and stated he was "fed up with the budget and the way the government is ruled by corrupt politicians."
Dwyer repeatedly urged Nassif to remain calm and not shout, but the developer continued his diatribe. "I want to prove my point, if you don’t want me to prove myself, I’ll withdraw from all this nonsense," he told the commission. Showing handwritten notes, Nassif said, "I’m taking notes ... so stop fucking putting words in my mouth. This is a public hearing, and I know what you’re doing. You want to show the public that I am corrupt. I’m not corrupt."
Assistant commissioner Fabian Gleeson SC advised Nassif to "take a breath" and stated the inquiry's purpose was to find the truth, not for him to attack others. Nassif responded, "No, no, no, no. There is no one [who] can make me shut up. If you guys are not going to accept the problem, I need to pull out now."
Nassif, the former Toplace boss who fled to Lebanon in 2022, initially appeared at Icac on Monday. He had previously produced a medical certificate to excuse himself from a scheduled appearance earlier this month. The inquiry continues.