ICAC hears developer's lawyer allegedly campaigned against building regulator
A Toplace lawyer allegedly sent damaging material about building commissioner David Chandler to political contacts, telling a developer he would be finished.
The NSW corruption watchdog is examining donations linked to fugitive developer Jean Nassif. It's looking into whether they were traded for political favours.
The inquiry heard that Toplace lawyer Sharangan Maheswaran sent material about building commissioner David Chandler to political contacts. Maheswaran shared a video he believed could hurt Chandler's career.
Maheswaran told Nassif he would keep it secret. Within four weeks, Chandler would be finished, he said.
Maheswaran denied running a campaign. He said he was raising real concerns about Chandler's conduct.
The inquiry also heard that NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey referred Maheswaran's allegations to ICAC. This was after meeting him in 2021.
Chandler has not been accused of wrongdoing.
- Jean Nassif, fugitive
- Developer
- Sharangan Maheswaran, Toplace
- Lawyer
- David Chandler
- Building commissioner
- Daniel Mookhey, 2021
- Treasurer referral
Why it mattersThe inquiry tests a basic question about public integrity. Can political donations sway who gets to regulate building standards?
AustraliaNSW residents and builders need confidence that building regulations are applied fairly; this inquiry examines whether that trust was breached.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 14 h ago
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