Personal Explanation

Members, Accommodation Allowances

Mr ELLIS (Narungga) (02:12): I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Leave granted.

Mr ELLIS: I would like to take this rather unconventional time to inform the house that yesterday I was charged with alleged offences arising from the recent ICAC investigation into the country members' accommodation allowance. I am completely innocent, and I will be vigorously defending these allegations to the full extent of my resources and the law.

I repeat now what I have said previously, and my position has not changed. I have never acted dishonestly. Any error in a claim form completed by a relatively inexperienced member was simply that: an error. There is a significant difference between an error and any proof beyond reasonable doubt of a crime in a court of law. These were the result of genuine errors by a new member, for which I have already apologised.

I make this statement now noting that there have been no public statements from the ICAC or the DPP because I have nothing to hide. My conscience is clear. My constituents and those who know me know that I am not and never have been a dishonest person. The allegations are contrary to who I am and what I stand for. I have great faith in the judicial system of this state, and I look forward to being exonerated by an impartial court, free of influence from other arms of government.

Conforming to established precedent, yesterday I informed the Premier that I will be suspending my Liberal Party membership immediately and sitting on the crossbench while attempts are made to prove the disputed allegations.

I am immensely proud of everything the government and I have achieved in Narungga over the past three years. To be clear, I have significant unfinished business which I intend to complete. I will not be resigning or put off from the task of continuing to represent, and in 2022 being re-elected to represent, the electorate that I love.

These charges are mere allegations, not proof of what is alleged against me. We all know from everyday life that allegations are easy to make but that they need to be proved based on evidence as opposed to supposition or innuendo. I have the benefit of the presumption of innocence, and I ask our friends in the media to remember and honour that and report on this matter fairly and ethically.

As the matter is now before the courts, I will not be making any further statements. I ask for privacy as my family and I deal with these challenges that are to come.

At 02:14 the house adjourned until Tuesday 2 March 2021 at 11:00.