David Chandler takes stand over alleged plot to drive him from building chief role

Former NSW building commissioner David Chandler is taking the stand today as ICAC examines an alleged plot to drive him from office.

The commission is investigating whether fugitive property developer Jean Nassif paid money to Liberal Party figures, including Charles Perrottet, Christian Ellis and Jeremy Greenwood, to help fund factional work and pursue outcomes in his interests.

Those alleged goals included removing Mr Chandler from his role and damaging the political career of former minister David Elliott.

Mr Chandler was appointed building commissioner by then premier Gladys Berejiklian to help clean up the construction sector after a string of major building defect scandals.

His evidence is expected to focus on allegations that political operatives linked to Mr Nassif worked to force him out.

The hearing returns after a day of evidence from Anita Perrottet, the sister-in-law of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet.

She denied lying under oath to protect her husband Charles Perrottet, who is a person of interest in the inquiry.

ICAC is examining whether invoices paid to Anita Perrottet’s company were for genuine work or were instead used to conceal payments from Mr Nassif to Charles Perrottet. She denied that allegation.

The commission also heard Anita Perrottet was paid substantial sums through consulting arrangements linked to Jeremy Greenwood, including more than $250,000 over a three-month period.

She maintained the payments were for legitimate work and told the inquiry her role involved strategic and marketing advice delivered verbally, either by phone or in person.

She also denied being placed in what counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC described as an “impossible position” to cover for her husband.

Ms Perrottet told the commission she was unaware Charles Perrottet had attended a lunch at Mr Nassif’s home with their children, and said she had never met the developer.

She also told the inquiry she could not remember whether she had ever been a member of the Liberal Party and recalled little about her husband’s factional work.

Originally published as David Chandler takes stand over alleged plot to drive him from building chief role