David Chandler Says “Extortion Attempt” Allegation Was Used to Pressure Him in Toplace Prohibition Order Dispute

Former NSW building commissioner David Chandler has told the state’s corruption watchdog that an allegation of an “extortion attempt” involving construction company Toplace was weaponised against him during efforts to have a prohibition order on one of the developer’s projects lifted.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is examining whether individuals linked to the NSW Liberal Party solicited funds from prohibited donors to advance the interests of the right‑wing NSW Reformers faction. It is also investigating whether donations connected to fugitive developer Jean Nassif were exchanged for political favours including attempts to remove Chandler from his role

Chandler told the inquiry that the alleged shakedown was raised during a 2021 meeting with Toplace representatives, including Sharangan Maheswaran, while discussing conditions for lifting a prohibition order on Toplace’s Skyview development in Castle Hill. Maheswaran now a person of interest in the inquiry allegedly claimed the company had received an email demanding $5 million be paid into a trust account.

Under questioning from counsel assisting Juliet Curtin, Chandler said he was implicated in the allegation because it was suggested that paying the money would result in him lifting the order. He said the claim was used as leverage against him during the dispute.

The inquiry continues to probe whether political operatives sought donations from banned sources and whether those funds were tied to attempts to influence regulatory decisions affecting Toplace and its developments.