Ex-NSW building commissioner tells ICAC of alleged $5m shakedown

Former NSW building commissioner David Chandler has detailed an alleged $5 million extortion attempt that he claims was used to pressure him over a development project. Chandler testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in New South Wales, describing how the accusation against construction company Toplace was wielded against him.

Chandler told the inquiry that the alleged shakedown was part of a campaign to have a prohibition order lifted on a Toplace development. He presented this information as evidence during his testimony, shedding light on the pressures faced by regulators in the state's complex building industry.

The ICAC investigation is examining serious allegations of corruption and misconduct within the NSW building sector. Chandler's testimony provides a critical account from a key figure, offering insights into the alleged tactics employed and the challenges of enforcing regulations in a high-stakes environment.

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an allegation of an 'extortion attempt' targeting construction company Toplace was used against him in efforts to get a prohibition order on its development lifted.