ICAC Inquiry Hears of Toplace Lawyer's Efforts Against Former Building Commissioner

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in New South Wales has heard evidence regarding actions taken by Toplace lawyer Sharangan Maheswaran concerning former building commissioner David Chandler. ICAC is currently investigating whether donations connected to fugitive property developer Jean Nassif were traded for political favours, which included efforts to remove Mr. Chandler and halt investigations into Toplace property developments. Mr. Chandler is not accused of any wrongdoing.

During the inquiry, counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC read a 2021 text exchange between Mr. Nassif and Toplace employee David Krepp. After Mr. Krepp warned that serious building defects identified by Mr. Chandler could severely harm the company, Mr. Nassif instructed him to speak with Mr. Maheswaran about releasing a personal lawsuit against the commissioner. The inquiry heard that Mr. Maheswaran shared material with political contacts, including a site video he thought could damage Mr. Chandler, telling Mr. Nassif, "I want to keep it highly secret. You will see in the next four weeks, he will be finished."

Lawyer Denies Coordinated Campaign and Intimidation Claims

Mr. Maheswaran denied participating in a coordinated campaign to damage Mr. Chandler's career or secure his removal. He told the commission he shared the material because he believed it highlighted concerning conduct by the commissioner. The inquiry also revealed that current NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, then an opposition MP, referred Mr. Maheswaran's claims about Mr. Chandler to ICAC a day after meeting with the lawyer in 2021. According to a statement from Mr. Mookhey, Mr. Maheswaran alleged that Mr. Chandler subjected his client to extra inspections and issued defect notices incorrectly.

The commission further examined Mr. Maheswaran's conduct regarding a 2023 parliamentary inquiry. Evidence presented showed Mr. Maheswaran traveled to Cessnock to avoid receiving a summons, telling a friend he had "fled Sydney in anticipation of the hearing." He returned after learning he was not required to appear. Additionally, Mr. Maheswaran denied attempting to intimidate Liberal group member Robert Assaf or arranging surveillance by a private investigator on lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood's home to evade summons service.