Catholic Schools CEO Denies Wiping Evidence in Icac Probe 2026

The Catholic Schools CEO Dallas McInerney has denied wiping critical evidence in an Icac probe, testifying before the NSW corruption inquiry that a factory reset was triggered by a banking alert. The chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW appeared before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) on Wednesday, facing questions about his handling of a work phone and iPad that were surrendered after he performed a factory reset over the weekend.

McInerney revealed that he reset the devices on Saturday morning, after his bank contacted him on Friday to report that his account had been compromised by an unknown merchant. He insisted the move was not an attempt to destroy evidence, but a precautionary measure following the security alert. However, counsel assisting the commission, Dr Peggy Dwyer SC, suggested it was a transparent attempt to wipe data that would have been critical to the investigation into alleged corruption within the NSW Liberal party.

Factory Reset Raises Questions

The commission had previously asked McInerney to provide messages between him and Reformer Jean-Claude Perrottet from 2021, which he had already shared. But when questioned about other messages with fellow Reformers, McInerney admitted that the factory reset had erased all data from the phone and iPad, including personal messages and family photos. He said he had not transferred any contents to iCloud before the reset, though some additional messages had been provided to his legal team.

McInerney argued that he had known about the public inquiry for seven or eight weeks, and if he had intended to commit malfeasance, he would have had ample time to do so earlier. He provided a case file number from the National Australia Bank (NAB) to support his claim of a banking compromise, and offered to share it with the commission.

Key Evidence and Timeline

The Icac hearing is examining allegations of corruption in the NSW Liberal party, with a focus on the role of Catholic Schools NSW and its executives. The commission has called for all messages and communications related to the investigation, and McInerney's actions have become a central point of contention.

The commission is now assessing whether the reset constitutes an obstruction of justice. McInerney's legal team has indicated that some additional messages were provided, but the full extent of the lost data remains unclear.

Implications for the Investigation

This incident highlights the challenges faced by anti-corruption bodies when digital evidence is destroyed, whether intentionally or inadvertently. The Icac has the power to compel witnesses to produce evidence, and failure to do so can result in penalties. The commission will likely scrutinize McInerney's explanation and the timing of the reset.

For Catholic Schools NSW, the controversy adds to the pressure on its leadership. The organization has not yet commented on the matter, but the inquiry is expected to continue with further hearings.

Key Takeaways

• McInerney performed a factory reset on his work phone and iPad after a banking alert.
• He denies any intent to wipe evidence, citing a compromised account.
• The commission suggests the reset was a deliberate attempt to destroy critical messages.
• McInerney has provided a case file number from NAB to support his claim.
• The investigation into NSW Liberal party corruption continues.

FAQ

The Icac hearing continues, and the commission will determine whether McInerney's actions warrant further scrutiny. For now, the case underscores the importance of preserving digital evidence in corruption investigations.

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