NSW Catholic Schools Boss Under Fire Over Device Wipe During Corruption Probe

The head of Catholic Schools NSW has refuted

The head of Catholic Schools NSW has refuted claims that he erased vital data from his electronic devices to obstruct an inquiry into alleged corrupt practices within the state's Liberal Party. Testimony before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) on Wednesday brought to light that Dallas McInerney reset a work phone and tablet, a move he says was prompted by a bank's security alert.

McInerney acknowledged during the hearing that he cleared the devices over the past weekend, shortly after appearing before Icac the previous week. The timing of the factory reset has raised suspicions among investigators, who are examining whether the action was an attempt to purge evidence relevant to the corruption allegations.

However, McInerney maintained that his actions were innocuous, explaining that he received a notification from his financial institution about a potential security breach. He asserted that he followed standard protocol by erasing the devices to protect sensitive information, and denied any intention to interfere with the commission's work.

The inquiry is delving into accusations that Liberal

The inquiry is delving into accusations that Liberal Party figures engaged in misconduct, potentially including the manipulation of political processes. McInerney's role as the chief executive of a major educational body has added a layer of public interest, though he has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the broader allegations.

Icac counsel is now scrutinizing the sequence of events surrounding the device reset, including whether McInerney was aware of any legal obligation to preserve data. The commission has previously warned witnesses about the consequences of destroying evidence, which can carry severe penalties.

McInerney's testimony marks a tense moment in the proceedings, as the commission seeks to determine if his actions constitute an attempt to pervert the course of justice. The hearing continues, with further evidence expected to shed light on the extent of the alleged corruption and the role, if any, McInerney played.