Daniel Mookhey referred commissioner claims to ICAC

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating allegations involving NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and building commissioner David Chandler. During hearings, it was revealed that in October 2021, while serving as shadow treasurer, Mookhey met with ALP member and lawyer Sharangan Maheswaran at a cafe near the NSW Parliament.

Maheswaran reportedly approached several members of parliament with concerns regarding Chandler prior to a budget estimates hearing. Mookhey stated during the hearing that he declined to raise these concerns in parliament, instead advising Maheswaran to report the matter to the ICAC. Mookhey subsequently referred the allegations to the watchdog the following day and provided a written statement.

The ICAC is examining whether the allegations were an attempt by developer Jean Nassif to damage Chandler’s career, as the commissioner had been scrutinizing defects in Nassif’s projects, such as the Skyview building in Castle Hill. Chandler is not accused of any wrongdoing.