Ex-MP denies he acted dishonestly in deception case

Lawyers for former South Australian MP Fraser Ellis said he admitted he made mistakes but did not "knowingly" act dishonestly, after being convicted of seven counts of deception.The 34-year-old former member for Narungga on the Yorke Peninsula appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today ahead of sentencing for the offending, which occurred between November 2018 and May 2020.The charges relate to the misuse of the Country Members Allowance, a fund used by regional MPs who are required to travel for parliamentary duties.Ellis was found guilty of four counts of deception in 2024 following a trial but was acquitted of a further 19 counts.The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed against those acquittals and three were replaced with convictions by the Court of Appeal in July this year.Scott Henchliffe KC, for Ellis, told the court today the former MP was accused of dishonestly claiming 78 nights costing $18,095, but he was only convicted of 20 nights worth $4,676."He accepted that he made mistakes and he was too casual in his approach," Mr Henchliffe said. "He maintains he did not knowingly act dishonestly."Fraser Ellis through his lawyers says his reputation has been tarnished. (ABC News)Mr Henchcliff rejected the idea the fraudulent claims were part of an organised plan orchestrated by Ellis and occurred in a "haphazard nature".He argued no conviction should be recorded and a good behaviour bond should be considered. "He feels strongly he has had his reputation tarnished by the outcome, he feels quite depressed about that," he said.Prosecutors seek deterrenceProsecutor James Slocombe told the court today the offending was "too serious" to proceed without recording a conviction and a short suspended prison sentence should be imposed."The totality of the conduct is simply more than taking from the public purse," Mr Slocombe said. "Your Honour needs to consider the need for public deterrence in terms of an appropriate sentence."Mr Slocombe noted Ellis had paid $24,130 as a form of restitution to the House of Assembly before charges were pursued.Ellis was first elected as the member for Narungga in 2018 at the age of 25 but was unseated at the 2026 state election by One Nation's Chantelle Thomas. As he left court today, Ellis told reporters he would "wait for the decision and see what happens".He will return to court for sentencing on September 17.