Developer dad and MP son ICAC-bound (AAP)

A NSW Liberal MP and his developer father are due to give evidence this week at a corruption inquiry focused on allegations of dodgy dealings surrounding the 2011 election campaign for the state seat of Newcastle.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption's (ICAC) Operation Spicer will restart on Wednesday morning.

NSW government whip and Charlestown MP Andrew Cornwell, and his developer father Brien Cornwell, are both due to provide evidence over the opening two days.

The ICAC is investigating whether funds were solicited and received donors like Buildev Pty Ltd and businessman Nathan Tinkler, which would be prohibited under current laws.

It will also examine whether MPs, including former cabinet members Chris Hartcher and Mike Gallacher, solicited and received donations from prohibited donors for use in the 2011 NSW election campaign.

Mr Hartcher has already stepped down from the Liberal Party and will announce whether he will contest the March state election after the ICAC investigation is completed.

The inquiry is also trying to determine whether Buildev, Mr Tinkler, Newcastle mayor Jeff McCloy and Hunter developer Hilton Grugeon improperly sought to influence MPs by making donations during the 2011 election campaign.

Operation Credo earlier this year claimed the scalp of Barry O'Farrell who resigned as premier in April after misleading the ICAC over his knowledge of a $3000 bottle of wine given to him by a supporter.

In the week leading up to the latest round of hearings, Liberal Party fundraiser Paul Nicolaou resigned as CEO of the NSW branch of the Australian Hotels Association.

ICAC heard in April Mr Nicolaou was aware the Liberal-linked Free Enterprise Foundation was being used to wash suspicious donations.

During the upcoming hearing, due to run for at least three weeks, corrupt former NSW Labor minister Joe Tripodi will be in the witness box again.

Rodney Boswell, a Liberal Party campaign manager, is also due to give evidence on Wednesday.

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