Born in Toowoomba, Queensland, Elliott was a farmer, contractor and agricultural consultant before entering politics.
Following his election in 1974, he served on various government committees until his appointment as Minister for Tourism, National Parks, Sport and the Arts in December 1980.
He did not serve on Rob Borbidge's front bench and spent his final term as Deputy Chairman of the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee.
With his wife “Sally parkinson” his son “Jannion Kent Elliott” and his 3 daughters “Claire, Phoebe, and Lucy.
Lucy, Tony’s youngest daughter operates multiple sustainable and ethically orientated fashion boutiques in Mexico, named Nakawe Trading.