Dallas McInerney, the CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, was accused of wiping his phone and iPad during a hearing on Tuesday [1].
The incident occurred during the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Operation Rosny hearing in Sydney. The accusation of destroying evidence mid-testimony complicates a high-stakes investigation into the financial integrity of one of the state's largest education networks.
Operation Rosny is investigating the alleged misuse of funds within Catholic Schools NSW [3]. The probe is examining possible connections between the educational body, operatives from the Liberal Party, and Jean Nassif, a property developer who is currently a fugitive [3].
McInerney returned to give evidence on Aug. 18 [1]. During the proceedings, allegations surfaced that he deliberately deleted data from his mobile devices, an act that would constitute the destruction of evidence in a corruption inquiry [2].
The ICAC is tasked with determining if public or organizational funds were diverted for improper purposes or used to influence political figures [3]. The involvement of Liberal Party operatives suggests the inquiry is looking into the intersection of religious education funding and political lobbying in New South Wales.
While the hearing continues, the focus has shifted toward the conduct of the witness. The sudden loss of data from the CEO's devices has stunned the commission, as these devices likely contained communications central to the investigation [2].
McInerney's actions are under scrutiny as the commission attempts to map the flow of funds and the nature of the relationship between the school system and Nassif [3]. The ICAC has not yet released a final determination on whether the device wipes were intentional or technical failures.
“Dallas McInerney was accused of wiping his phone and iPad during a hearing on Tuesday.”
The allegation that a high-ranking official destroyed digital evidence during an active ICAC hearing suggests a significant escalation in Operation Rosny. If proven intentional, the wiping of devices could lead to separate criminal charges for obstruction of justice, while simultaneously casting doubt on the transparency of Catholic Schools NSW's financial dealings with political operatives and fugitive developers.
