Ex-NSW building commissioner tells ICAC of alleged $5m shakedown
Former NSW building commissioner David Chandler has told a corruption inquiry that an allegation of an "extortion attempt" targeting construction company Toplace was used against him in efforts to get a prohibition order on its development lifted.
Former NSW building commissioner David Chandler testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) about an alleged extortion attempt targeting the company Toplace. The inquiry is examining claims that donations from fugitive property developer Jean Nassif were exchanged for political favors, which may have contributed to the removal of Chandler from his position as building commissioner.
During a 2021 meeting, Chandler and Toplace representatives discussed lifting a prohibition order on Toplace's Skyview project in Castle Hill. Allegedly, Maheswaran claimed Toplace had received an email requesting $5 million to be deposited into a trust account. Chandler stated that he would have lifted the order if the money was paid, but only after confirming the claim with the police.
Despite not receiving a copy of the alleged email, Chandler referred the matter to his department for investigation. When investigators sought additional information from Maheswaran, Toplace later distanced themselves from the unsubstantiated claim and failed to cooperate with the inquiry.
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