Catholic Schools NSW Boss Sacked After Appearing at Corruption Inquiry

Catholic Schools NSW has terminated the employment of its chief executive, Dallas McInerney, just days after he testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). McInerney was a key figure in the ICAC's investigation into allegations that he violated NSW donation laws by channeling hundreds of thousands of dollars through fabricated invoices to a right-wing Liberal Party faction known as the NSW Reformers.

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I knew what I was doing. The factory reset is a factory reset.

The board of Catholic Schools NSW, which oversees nearly 600 Catholic schools in the state, stated it had unanimously lost confidence in McInerney's leadership. "The matters that are the subject of the Inquiry are, though, of deep concern to CSNSW and to its key stakeholders," the board noted in its statement. The board also clarified that the commission's counsel indicated no suggestion that Catholic Schools NSW itself, or its board or executives, were aware of McInerney's alleged actions.

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The matters that are the subject of the Inquiry are, though, of deep concern to CSNSW and to its key stakeholders.

Earlier in the week, McInerney had indicated he was unlikely to return to his position. During his testimony, he admitted to wiping his work phone and iPad, telling the commission, "I knew what I was doing. The factory reset is a factory reset." He stated that no one instructed him to perform the reset, nor did he consult lawyers or the organization about the implications. He subsequently returned both devices to Catholic Schools NSW, despite the organization not requesting them back.

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The commission's counsel stated that there was no suggestion that CSNSW is responsible for the alleged conduct being investigated by the Commission, nor that any CSNSW Board or executive were aware of the alleged actions of Mr. McInerney.

Counsel Assisting the Commission, Peggy Dwyer SC, characterized McInerney's actions as a "transparent attempt" to destroy evidence. McInerney had temporarily stood aside after ICAC announced it was examining whether donations arranged and approved by him were undeclared, exceeded legal limits, and were used to recruit or retain Liberal Party members.

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The matters that are the subject of the Inquiry are, though, of deep concern to CSNSW and to its key stakeholders.