NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler to step down

The bane of dodgy developers, building commissioner David Chandler will step down after five years in the job.

Building watchdog David Chandler will not seek to extend his contract beyond this year, following a five-year stint where he overhauled building standards across NSW.

The Daily Telegraph understands Mr Chandler alerted the NSW government he would not seek an extension for a sixth year in the role when his term expires in August.

The NSW Building Commissioner was only last year given beefed-up powers, with more than 400 government staff folded into a new department under him tackling defective homes.

His office was also given the power to inspect and order rectifications on any new housing construction, including stand-alone homes, as well as the blighted apartment blocks which have made headlines in Sydney in recent years.

Mr Chandler had previously quit the role in 2022 before being convinced to stay on by the Perrottet government.

NSW Premier Chris Minns talks to NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler during a visit to new developments. NCA NewsWire/ Dylan Robinson

A spokesman for the Building Commission NSW confirmed Mr Chandler would not seek to extend his contract.

“NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler OAM has advised he will not seek to renew his contract, which expires later this year,” he said.

“Mr Chandler, who has extensive experience in building and construction, was appointed Building Commissioner five years ago and has since contributed significant change and improvement to the industry across the state.

“This includes achieving resolution for owners impacted by the Mascot Towers development, the introduction of the Project Remediate flammable cladding removal program and leading Construct NSW which was the key foundation of construction industry reforms the past five years.

He has been in the role for five years. NCA NewsWire/ Dylan Robinson

“As Building Commissioner, he oversaw the NSW government’s election commitment to establish the Building Commission NSW on 1 December 2023.

“He advised Department of Customer Service Secretary, Graeme Head, of his decision in January.

“Mr Chandler will remain in the role to allow for the recruitment process of a new Building Commissioner to be undertaken by DCS.”

DCS secretary Graeme Head praised Mr Chandler for his “commitment and expertise to the building industry during his past five years as Building Commissioner for NSW and for decades in Australia and the Asia Pacific region”.

“He advised while he is not looking to continue full time work as the Commissioner, he is looking forward to continuing to support industry and governments in an advisory capacity,” he said.

“Mr Chandler has achieved great success in his role as Commissioner and we wish him the best with his future endeavours.”

Originally published as NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler to step down