In June 2020, Elasmar was elected as the President of the Victorian Legislative Council, succeeding Shaun Leane who was appointed to cabinet. In October 2021, Elasmar was accused in the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) hearings for branch stacking and paying for people's memberships, which is not allowed in the Labor Party.[2] In December, during preselection, Elasmar was moved down into unwinnable positions on the Legislative Council ballot for the November 2022 election.[3] He subsequently chose not to contest the election and gave his valedictory statement on 21 September 2022.[4]
Elasmar was born in Lebanon and came to Australia at the age of 20.[4] He is married with three children.[5]