Building Commissioner David Chandler reverses his resignation

Developers who popped the champagne following the resignation of rampaging NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler have had to put the cork back in the bottle after he reversed his resignation.

Developers who popped the champagne following the resignation of rampaging NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler have had to put the cork back in the bottle, after he reversed his resignation.

Only four weeks after he sensationally quit, Mr Chandler has reversed his decision, meaning he will remain in his role until August next year (his original term).

The move appears a giant slap in the face to former fair trading minister Eleni Petinos, who Mr Chandler mentioned in a scathing resignation letter.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has since referred that letter – in which Mr Chandler raised “concerns” about Ms Petinos’ relationship with property development company Coronation and former employee John Barilaro – to ICAC.

The company claims they have nothing to hide and will open their books to the corruption watchdog. Mr Barilaro has similarly defended his record.

“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,” Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said.

NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler.

“He has made significant contributions to building industry reform in this state and I am happy the work can continue under his leadership.

“In the year ahead, the focus will be on continued advocacy for industry change to deliver key projects, including Project Remediate and a new initiative known as Project Intervene, where we are working with the strata community to help rectify serious defects in existing buildings.”

Mr Chandler’s return is the second commissioner within the Fair Trading portfolio to return to his role.

On Monday Property Services Commissioner John Minns reversed his decision to quit six months into a two-year term.

The reversals both come following Ms Petinos’ sacking last month.

Eleni Petinos.

Ms Petinos, the Liberal MP for Miranda, was booted because of numerous bullying complaints, an accusation she denies.

Mr Dominello said Mr Chandler and Mr Minns will need to work together to progress industry reform, including across the strata sector.

“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,” Mr Chandler said.

“I am looking forward to continuing the work we have started.”

Mascot Towers.

Mr Chandler has made a name for himself as taking the fight to the dark corners of the property development industry, which has seen apartment owners fall victim to defective building work.

He was brought in following the disasters of Mascot (2019) and Opal Towers (2018), which seriously undermined consumer confidence for those looking to purchase an apartment.