NSW Minister's Icac Testimony Exposes Suspicious Sacking 2026

The former New South Wales fair trading minister Eleni Petinos has given evidence at a corruption inquiry that she may have been used by fellow Liberals to try to get rid of the building commissioner David Chandler. Her testimony before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) reveals a complex web of political maneuvering, bullying allegations, and a sudden sacking that she describes as bizarre and unfair.

Key Allegations at the Icac Inquiry

Petinos told the inquiry that she now suspects she was being used as a tool to remove Chandler. Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC asked if she believed her office was being used to get rid of Chandler, to which Petinos replied, "Subsequently, yes." She added, "I thought there was something very strange at play for Dominic to take the action that he did so swiftly or so coldly and without the opportunity to even put me in front of the cameras. That seemed bizarre."

Timeline of Events Leading to Her Sacking

According to Petinos, on Friday 27 July 2022, Premier Dominic Perrottet, who was in India, had been supportive after bullying allegations against her were published. But by Sunday night, he had decided to sack her. In the interim, Chandler had resigned, lodging an incendiary resignation letter with departmental head Emma Hogan that alleged undue influence on the Liberal government by developers and a lack of support by Petinos and her staff. Chandler was later reinstated, the inquiry heard.

Petinos also recounted numerous attempts in 2022 by fellow Liberal staffers to persuade her that Chandler was "dodgy" and should be sacked. She said that soon after becoming fair trading minister in December 2021, she had conversations with several Liberal staffers about Chandler, including the premier's brother Charles Perrottet, a rightwing power broker.

Comparison of Testimony and Official Narrative

Implications for Government Accountability

The inquiry raises serious questions about whether Chandler was being undermined by elements within the government. Petinos's evidence suggests a coordinated effort to remove a building commissioner who was seen as too tough on developers. This case highlights the challenges of maintaining independent oversight in a politically charged environment.

Key Takeaways from the Inquiry

• Petinos claims her sacking was motivated by her reluctance to fire Chandler.
• She describes a pattern of pressure from fellow Liberal staffers to discredit Chandler.
• The sudden resignation and reinstatement of Chandler points to internal power struggles.
• The Icac inquiry is examining potential corruption and undue influence by developers.

FAQ

As the Icac inquiry continues, more details are expected to emerge about the inner workings of the Perrottet government. The case underscores the importance of independent oversight and the dangers of political interference in regulatory roles.

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