Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Small Business and Fair Trading Victor Dominello has announced that David Chandler would remain in his role as NSW building commissioner until August 2023.
Chandler, who was appointed by former Liberal premier Gladys Berejiklian three years ago, had suddenly resigned last month over concerns about the problematic engagement with the office of then Fair Trading Minister Eleni Petinos, as well as her relationship with the developer, Coronation Property Group. The building commissioner had issued stop work orders to the developer for their Merrylands development over compliance issues.
Shortly after the draft order was issued, Chandler had received a call from Petinos’ office as well as a message from former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro, who had recently joined the Coronation board. Petinos was sacked last month over allegations of bullying that involved her staff.
In his resignation letter, Chandler stated: “My personal experience has been one where engagement with the Minister’s office has been problematic. A similar experience has been reported to me by other officers in the department and important pieces of previously canvassed legislation have now run into serious disruption. This is having an impact on the confidence in, and momentum of the reforms that had been previously achieved.”
The letter has since been referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Chandler, who has now decided to complete his term, will remain in the job until August next.
“Mr Chandler is a highly respected industry leader and his commitment to the year ahead ensures we will maintain momentum in lifting customer confidence across residential building and construction in NSW,” Dominello says.
“He has made significant contributions to building industry reform in this State and I am happy the work can continue under his leadership."
Dominello also said that Chandler would work closely with the property services commissioner John Minns to progress industry reform, including across the strata sector.
Chandler added, “Much has been achieved in the past two years but there is still more to be done to establish NSW’s residential building and construction market as the most trusted and customer-centric in the country. I am looking forward to continuing the work we have started.”
