Disgraced ex-NSW ports minister Joe Tripodi backed Nathan Tinkler's controversial coal loading terminal to set himself up post politics, the woman described as his "eyes and ears" has told a corruption inquiry.
Mr Tripodi backed Mr Tinkler's plan for the terminal in the Newcastle suburb of Mayfield despite objections from then MP Jodi McKay and other experts.
Ann Wills - who has been described as Mr Tripodi's eyes and ears in the Hunter region - was asked on Friday by counsel assisting, Geoffrey Watson SC, why the ex-Labor minister backed the coal terminal.
"I think he was doing it because he was looking for something post politics," she said.
"An opportunity, I don't know."
The ICAC has heard Ms McKay became the victim of a concerted campaign to unseat her, funded in part by Mr Tinkler and part organised by her former colleague Mr Tripodi.
Ms Wills told the inquiry part of her responsibilities in 2011 was running a campaign called Stop Jodi's Trucks, which claimed thousands of trucks would invade Newcastle streets without the coal terminal.
"I think it was pretty obvious that they didn't love each other," Ms Wills said.
Ms McKay said she was "shocked, appalled and saddened" about the fresh details of corruption which emerged at the inquiry over the past three weeks.
But she said she still has admiration for disgraced MP Tim Owen, who defeated her at the 2011 election.
Mr Owen resigned from parliament last week along with Charlestown MP Andrew Cornwell after they both admitted to taking money from property developers in breach of NSW electoral laws.
"I was shocked, appalled and saddened by the recent revelations," Ms McKay said outside the inquiry.
"I never knew it was going on to this extent."
But she said she still held some regard for Mr Owen and emailed him after his first appearance at ICAC three weeks ago.
But she said the 2011 election was unfair.
During her testimony, Ms McKay clashed several times with Mr Tinkler's lawyer, Harland Koops, when he pressed her about whether she had asked Mr Tinkler for money in 2011 because her political fortunes were fading.
"I don't sell myself, Mr Koops," she said.
"I never have and I never will.
"I also don't pander to influential, powerful people."
Earlier, Ms McKay told the commission she had not spoken to former NSW treasurer Eric Roozendaal since they had an argument over his support for the coal port.
Mr Roozendaal has been observing the ICAC from the back of the room for the past few days.
Outside the hearings, Ms McKay said she was glad she didn't have to sit next to him during the inquiry.
The ICAC is expected to ramp up next week with return appearances by Mr Tinkler, Ms Wills and Mr Tripodi.
Mr Roozendaal and former premier Kristina Keneally are also expected to appear.
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