Former Newcastle-based mining magnate Nathan Tinkler is on the witness list for a new Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry into political donations.

The ICAC is examining allegations former New South Wales energy minister Chris Hartcher and other Liberal MPs, Chris Spence and Darren Webber, corruptly solicited payments in return for favours.

It alleges that Australian Water Holdings (AWH), a major donor to the New South Wales Liberal party before the 2011 state election, was one of the sources of the payments.

There is no suggestion Mr Tinkler has acted corruptly, but he is on a witness list released late yesterday.

The list includes Troy Palmer, one of Mr Tinkler's senior executives, and former Newcastle MP and minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay.

In 2008, Ms McKay was accused of failing to disclose $50,000 of in-kind donations from Mr Tinkler's development firm Buildev.

It was revealed Buildev paid for Ms McKay's printing costs ahead of the 2007 state election.

Karen McNamara, the Liberal MP for the federal seat of Dobell, is also included on the ICAC witness list.

Wealthy property developers will also be called, along with Liberal Party official John Caputo, who has been linked to Liberal Party fundraising on a federal and state level.