NSW Building Boss Testifies in Icac Hearing on Developer Threat 2026

The former NSW building commissioner, David Chandler, has told the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) that fugitive developer Jean Nassif threatened to harm him over a project inspection, in a hearing that has exposed the tense relationship between regulators and powerful property figures.

Threatening Phone Call and Site Ban

Chandler testified on Thursday about a 2021 phone call in which Nassif, who is now a fugitive, warned him: “Don’t you harm my project, and if you harm my project, I’ll harm you.” The threat came after Chandler had ordered a destructive inspection of a Toplace building in Botany, which involved ripping up bathrooms to check waterproofing.

Following the call, Chandler banned Nassif from being present on sites during inspections and resolved not to deal with him directly. He also noted that a few days before the phone call, he had placed a prohibition order on Skyview, a Toplace apartment complex in Castle Hill, preventing occupancy.

Background: The Icac Investigation

The corruption watchdog is investigating whether payments made by Nassif to a group of young conservatives known as the Reformers amounted to illegal political donations to the NSW Liberal party. The inquiry is examining alleged payments of $2 million, and Chandler’s testimony provides context on the developer’s conduct.

Clashes with the Developer

Chandler described a 2020 meeting where Nassif became “loud and overbearing.” The pair’s interactions highlight the challenges regulators face when dealing with influential developers. Chandler’s decision to ban Nassif from sites underscores the seriousness of the threat.

Key Takeaways

• David Chandler testified about a threatening call from Jean Nassif in 2021.
• Nassif is a fugitive developer and subject of an Icac investigation.
• The inquiry focuses on alleged illegal political donations to the NSW Liberal party.
• Chandler banned Nassif from sites and placed a prohibition order on a Toplace building.

Comparison of Chandler’s Actions

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