A court has been informed that Fraser Ellis did not act with “knowingly” dishonest intentions while claiming parliamentary travel allowances, despite being found guilty of multiple deception charges.
The 34-year-old appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court to present arguments regarding his sentencing.
Sentencing for Ellis is scheduled for later this month.
Defense attorneys for the former South Australian Member of Parliament, Fraser Ellis, acknowledged his mistakes but asserted that he did not act with “knowingly” dishonest intent after being convicted on seven counts of deception.
Ellis, who previously served as the representative for Narungga on the Yorke Peninsula, attended the Adelaide Magistrates Court today as part of the proceedings leading to his sentencing for offenses committed between November 2018 and May 2020.
The allegations involve improper claims against the Country Members Allowance, which is designated for regional MPs who travel for their parliamentary responsibilities.
In 2024, Ellis was convicted of four counts of deception following a trial, although he was acquitted of an additional 19 counts. The Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently appealed these acquittals, resulting in three of them being overturned by the Court of Appeal in July.
Scott Henchliffe KC, representing Ellis, informed the court that the former MP was accused of fraudulently claiming expenses for 78 nights, totaling $18,095, yet he was convicted for only 20 nights, amounting to $4,676.
“He acknowledges that he made mistakes and was somewhat careless in his conduct,” Mr. Henchliffe stated.
He further emphasized that Ellis did not act with intentional dishonesty and dismissed the notion that his actions were part of a coordinated scheme, characterizing them as occurring in a “haphazard manner.”
Mr. Henchliffe urged the court to consider not recording a conviction and instead impose a good behavior bond.
He expressed that Ellis feels deeply that his reputation has been damaged by the verdict, leading to feelings of depression.
During the proceedings, Prosecutor James Slocombe argued that the nature of the offense warranted a conviction, asserting the need for a brief suspended prison sentence as a deterrent.
“The overall conduct goes beyond merely taking from the public purse,” Mr. Slocombe remarked. “The court must consider the importance of public deterrence when determining an appropriate sentence.”
He also noted that Ellis had made restitution payments amounting to $24,130 to the House of Assembly prior to the initiation of charges.
Ellis was first elected in 2018 at just 25 years old but lost his seat in the 2026 state election to One Nation’s Chantelle Thomas.
As he exited the courtroom today, Ellis commented to reporters that he would “await the decision and see what unfolds.”
He is set to return for sentencing on September 17.
