Catholic Schools Chief Denies Wiping Evidence in Icac Hearing 2026

Catholic Schools chief Dallas McInerney has denied wiping critical evidence after performing a factory reset on his work phone and iPad, an Icac hearing has heard. The inquiry into alleged corruption in the NSW Liberal party continues to unfold.

Background of the Icac Inquiry

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) is investigating allegations of corruption within the New South Wales Liberal party. McInerney, as chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, has been called to give evidence regarding his communications with Reformer Jean-Claude Perrottet in 2021.

On Friday, McInerney was asked to provide messages between him and Perrottet, which he has shared with the commission. However, the focus shifted when it was revealed that he had reset his devices over the weekend.

Allegations of Corruption

The inquiry is examining whether there was any improper influence or undisclosed relationships between party figures and external entities. McInerney's role as a key witness has brought attention to his handling of digital evidence.

Factory Reset Controversy

On Wednesday afternoon, McInerney revealed that he had performed a factory reset on his work phone and iPad on Saturday morning. He claimed that his bank had contacted him on Friday to alert him that his account had been "compromised by an unknown merchant." This prompted him to reset the devices, which he said were still in his possession ahead of being surrendered to Catholic Schools NSW.

Counsel assisting, Dr Peggy Dwyer SC, suggested that the move was "a transparent attempt … to wipe evidence that would have been critical for this commission." McInerney denied this, stating that he had known about the public inquiry for weeks and would have had ample time to destroy evidence if he had intended to do so.

McInerney's Explanation

McInerney said he had not transferred any contents from the phone to iCloud before resetting it, including personal messages and family photos. He added that some additional messages had been provided to his legal team. He also mentioned that he had a case file number from NAB regarding the banking compromise, which he could share with the commission.

Comparison of Evidence Handling

To understand the severity of the situation, it's useful to compare standard procedures for preserving evidence in such inquiries.

Key Takeaways

• McInerney denies any intent to destroy evidence.
• He cites a banking compromise as the trigger for the reset.
• The commission views the timing as suspicious.
• Additional messages have been provided to his legal team.
• The inquiry continues to examine the implications.

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