World News
Former NSW building commissioner tells corruption inquiry of developer's alleged threat
David Chandler testified that fugitive developer Jean Nassif threatened him during a phone call regarding property defect inspections.
The short version
- Former New South Wales building commissioner David Chandler testified at an Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) hearing that developer Jean Nassif threatened him in 2021 over building defect orders.
- ICAC is investigating whether Nassif paid $2 million to political figures to secure favorable government outcomes, including Chandler's removal.
- Nassif, who fled Australia for Lebanon in 2022 and has previously denied wrongdoing, is scheduled to testify before ICAC via video link.
Key facts
- Former NSW building commissioner David Chandler testified to ICAC that Sydney developer Jean Nassif told him in a 2021 phone call, 'Don’t you harm my project, and if you harm my project, I’ll harm you.'[The Guardian]
- ICAC is examining whether $2 million allegedly paid by Nassif to political figures served as illegal donations to influence the NSW Liberal Party to remove Chandler from his post.[The Guardian]
- Chandler banned Nassif from his inspection sites following the 2021 phone call, which occurred around the time Chandler placed a prohibition order on Toplace's Skyview apartment complex.[The Guardian]
- Chandler resigned in July 2022 citing pressure from developers and a perceived lack of ministerial support, but was later reinstated and served until 2024.[The Guardian]
- Nassif left Australia for Lebanon in 2022 and is expected to give evidence to the inquiry by video link.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the alleged $2 million paid by Nassif constituted illegal donations intended to influence government actions and remove the building commissioner remains under investigation by ICAC.[The Guardian]