# Cults, setups and devastating rumours: former NSW MPs seek revenge after their downfalls

https://mins.news/en/item/28552

- The Guardian, 2026-08-21 15:00 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/22/cults-setups-and-devastating-rumours-years-after-their-downfalls-these-former-nsw-mps-are-exacting-their-revenge-ntwnfb

> Former New South Wales MPs David Elliott and Eleni Petinos believe their own party brought them down. An ICAC inquiry into alleged illegal secret donations and branch-stacking gave Elliott, appearing as a witness, an opportunity to air long-held suspicions, including claims that developer Jean Nassif damaged his career, had him followed and spread rumours about him.