Former minister's printer used in ALP MP's downfall

Pamphlets for a campaign to sink then sitting Labor MP Jodi McKay came from a printer owned by ex-Labor minister Joe Tripodi and were funded by businessman Nathan Tinkler, a corruption inquiry has heard.

Newcastle solicitor Nick Dan has told the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) he was informed of the scheme by Anne Wills, a close associate of Mr Tripodi.

Mr Dan said Ms Wills informed him of a police investigation into the funding for the campaign in the lead-up to the 2011 NSW election.

"(She said) `Nick, the police have tracked it down to Joe Tripodi's printer, the pamphlets were funded by Nathan Tinkler'," Mr Dan said on Monday.

The ICAC heard Ms Wills had told Mr Dan she was involved in the pamphlets.

Ms McKay lost the seat of Newcastle in 2011 to the Liberal party's Tim Owen.

Building developers are banned from donating to political parties under NSW law.

Over the past two weeks the ICAC has heard Mr Tinkler wanted to build a coal port in Newcastle, which Ms McKay opposed.

Mr Tinkler has previously been accused of working with Mr Tripodi to depose Ms McKay after she refused to accept a bribe.

Revelations at the ICAC this year have led to the sidelining of nine NSW Liberal MPs, with Mr Owen and Charlestown MP Andrew Cornwell quitting parliament last week after accepting money from developers.

Newcastle Mayor Jeff McCloy has also stepped down from office over the ongoing donations scandal.