Hills Shire mayor Peter Gangemi calls parliamentary inquiry ‘ridiculous’, chair labels allegations ‘concerning’

A parliamentary inquiry into the conduct of disgraced property developer Jean Nassif, Sydney councillors and senior Liberal party figures has been called “ridiculous” by the mayor.

Skyview, 51 Old Castle Hill Road, under construction in 2021. The property was developed by Toplace and Mr Nassif, and is at the centre of Mr Williams’ allegations. Picture: Monique Harmer

A parliamentary inquiry into the conduct of, and nexus between, a disgraced property developer, Sydney councillors and senior Liberal party figures has been called “ridiculous” by council’s mayor, although the inquiry’s chair has promised to “stamp out impropriety” if evidence comes to light.

In December, the NSW Parliament established an inquiry into the 2021 conduct of disgraced property developer Jean Nassif, his development firm Toplace, Hills Shire councillors, Liberal powerbroker Christian Ellis and other senior party figures after allegations were raised by Castle Hill MP Ray Williams in a speech in parliament.

The MP, in June, alleged senior members of the Liberal party were “paid significant funds” by Mr Nassif to install new councillors on the council to get development applications through.

Mr Williams alleged Toplace – which is owned by Mr Nassif – was a client of Liberal powerbroker and lobbyist Mr Ellis.

However, the inquiry has been labelled “ridiculous” by current Hills Shire Liberal mayor Peter Gangemi, who said it was an attempt to sling mud and rhetoric.

“Everyone I have spoken to in the local government industry believes the calling of this inquiry is ridiculous,” Mr Gangemi said.

Mayor Dr Peter Gangemi called the inquiry “ridiculous”.

“It is my opinion that those behind the calling of this resource-intensive inquiry are seeking political revenge and an opportunity to throw mud at others.”

In turn, the inquiry’s chair, upper house member Sue Higginson, called the allegations “of the utmost concern” and promised ramifications if proved.

“Our planning, development and environmental protection system must operate at the highest level of integrity,” Ms Higginson said.

“Allegations of impropriety and undue influence must be investigated and if they are evidenced, they must be remedied and stamped out of the system.”

1High-profile property developer Jean Nassif had his license revoked in December. Picture: Liam Mendes

Mr Nassif’s building licence was revoked for 10 years in December when a NSW Department of Fair Trading investigation found more than 40 defects in residential developments constructed by Toplace, including in Castle Hill.

In his speech made under parliamentary privilege, Mr Williams claimed that Toplace had one of the “worst records in the industry” and alleged an unnamed councillor was also involved when Mr Nassif’s company bought $250m worth of property in the area.

“If Christian Ellis, senior members of the Liberal party, a former councillor and now member of the NSW parliament, received financial benefit from Jean Nassif in order to put new councillors on council who would subsequently be supportive of development applications on behalf of Toplace, then my community has good reason to be very concerned,” he told parliament.

Castle Hill NSW MP Ray Williams said the community had a right to be concerned. Picture: Damian Shaw

Sue Higginson, an upper house Greens member, will chair the inquiry. Picture: Cath Piltz

Michael Edgar, general manager of the Hills Shire council said although council was “surprised” by the establishment of the inquiry, it would fully co-operate and residents shouldn’t be alarmed.

“Council was surprised by this news (the inquiry) and is unaware of any concerns or inquiries made by either the Local Government Minister or from the Office of Local Government,” he said.

“It is most unusual for matters like this to be dealt with by a parliamentary inquiry, as there are many other methods for overseeing local government activities.

A Hills Shire Council spokeswoman said they were surprised by the inquiry.

“Council supports the principles of transparency, open decision making, integrity and good governance.”

Mr Edgar said Hill Shire was one of the first councils to establish an audit committee and a recent audit by the NSW Audit Office “showed council had an outstanding reputation for development assessment and management processes, as well as professional oversight of its services and programs”.

“Residents can be confident of the processes and systems council has in place to appropriately manage development applications,” he said.

“Council will of course co-operate with the inquiry and will assist in each stage of the process.”

The inquiry will accept submissions related to allegations of impropriety until January 22 and the hearing will begin on February 15.

Toplace was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.