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NSW Treasurer Refers Building Commissioner Allegations to ICAC
By Drooid · · How we work
Referral of Allegations to ICAC
In a live hearing, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey confirmed that he referred claims concerning Building Commissioner David Chandler to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The referral followed a meeting in October 2021 with Sharangan Maheswaran, a lawyer for disgraced developer Jean Nassif and an ALP member of parliament. Maheswaran had approached several parliamentarians, including Mookhey, before Chandler was due to appear at a 2021 budget estimates hearing. Mookhey told Maheswaran that the concerns should be reported to ICAC rather than raised in parliament, and he subsequently submitted a written statement to the commission.
Context of the Allegations
Mahoeswaran alleged that Chandler had “harassed” Nassif’s projects by issuing additional inspections, defect notices, and references to mediations that Nassif interpreted as linked to separate defamation proceedings against a radio station. The allegations arise amid ongoing scrutiny of Nassif’s developments, notably the Skyview building in Castle Hill, which has been subject to prohibition orders issued by Chandler. Chandler himself is not accused of any wrongdoing; the ICAC investigation is focused on whether Nassif sought to damage Chandler’s career because of the commissioner’s active oversight of serious defects.
Official Statements & Responses
Mookhey’s statement to ICAC described Maheswaran’s claims as referring only to a “prominent builder” without naming Nassif’s firm, Toplace. Maheswaran asserted that the building commissioner’s actions had led to adverse public commentary and subsequent defamation actions. Maheswaran also expressed concern that ICAC’s response time is often slow, explaining why he had not filed a formal complaint himself.
Potential Implications
The referral places the matter under ICAC’s anti-corruption remit, potentially expanding scrutiny of interactions between developers and regulatory officials. If the commission finds evidence of intent to undermine Chandler, it could result in further investigations into the use of legal threats and defamation claims as tools against regulatory oversight. The outcome may also influence how future allegations involving building commissioners are reported and addressed within NSW’s political and legal frameworks.