Former New South Wales building commissioner David Chandler has provided detailed testimony to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) regarding confrontations with Sydney developer Jean Nassif amid an ongoing investigation into alleged improper payments to political figures.

During the hearing on Thursday, Chandler recounted a series of interactions with Nassif, who is currently a fugitive residing in Lebanon. The inquiry is probing whether Nassif made payments totaling approximately $2 million to a group of young conservatives known as the Reformers, which includes Liberal Party figures Charles Perrottet, Christian Ellis, and Jeremy Greenwood. These payments are alleged to have been intended to influence political outcomes, including attempts to remove Chandler from his position overseeing building regulation.

Chandler described a 2020 in-person meeting at a Toplace development project in Botany, where he identified potential waterproofing defects following the loss of accreditation of the previous certifier. Chandler recalled that Nassif reacted angrily, asserting his importance as a major apartment builder and urging Chandler not to harm his business. Chandler said he firmly asserted his authority as building commissioner and stated it would be their last direct meeting. Subsequently, Chandler requested that Nassif not attend future site inspections.

In 2021, Chandler testified about a phone call from Nassif during which the developer allegedly warned, “Don’t you harm my project, and if you harm my project, I’ll harm you.” Following this, Chandler banned Nassif from attending site inspections related to his projects, including a prohibition order placed on Skyview, a Toplace apartment complex in Castle Hill, restricting occupancy due to identified issues. Chandler also noted that photos of significant structural cracking in Skyview’s basement were brought to his attention by Senator David Shoebridge and others, prompting urgent regulatory action.

Chandler explained that over his five-year tenure, he conducted hundreds of inspections but was aware that Nassif felt singled out. He described the environment as increasingly pressured, particularly after a video surfaced in 2022 showing Chandler discussing an informal list of certifiers, which sparked accusations that he may have misled budget estimates—claims the department secretary later found were unfounded, although Chandler acknowledged using “loose” language.

Additionally, Chandler recalled a reported $5 million demand allegedly made during negotiations over lifting a prohibition order on one of Nassif’s developments. The demand, purportedly made to be paid into a lawyer’s trust account, was presented as an attempt to influence Chandler’s decisions. Chandler urged the developer to report the matter to police, but the developer refused and later appeared to withdraw the allegation.

Chandler resigned briefly in 2022, citing concerns that the minister might lose confidence in him despite his exoneration by department officials. He ultimately withdrew his resignation after being encouraged to remain in his role. Chandler is not under investigation by ICAC.

Nassif, who has denied any wrongdoing, is expected to provide evidence to the commission via video link from Lebanon in the coming week. The investigation continues into whether political donations connected to Nassif resulted in undue influence over building regulation and other government outcomes.