ICAC AND CUNNEEN - THE CASE THAT HAS PUT THE CORRUPTION WATCHDOG'S POWERS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
May 31, 2014 - High-ranking prosecutor Margaret Cunneen's son's girlfriend Sophia Tilley is involved in a car crash on Sydney's north shore.
Oct 30, 2014 - Ms Cunneen SC steps aside from duties following allegations from the ICAC she perverted the course of justice. She is accused of advising Ms Tilley to fake chest pains to avoid a blood alcohol test following a car crash. Public inquiry due to start on November 10.
Nov 10, 2014 - Ms Cunneen loses Supreme Court bid to shut down the ICAC inquiry.
Dec 5, 2014 - Appeal court finds the NSW corruption watchdog has no power to investigate Ms Cunneen. The ICAC appeals to High Court, saying the ruling had "fundamentally" affected its powers to investigate corrupt conduct. The filing of politically-charged reports into Operation Credo (Obeid-linked Australian Water Holdings) and Operation Spicer (NSW Liberal party donations) is pushed back.
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April 15 - High Court rules on a 4-1 majority that NSW corruption watchdog has no power to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by Ms Cunneen SC.
April 20 - The ICAC says it will be unable to report on several current operations following the High Court decision. Says the decision "will severely restrict its ability to report on Operations Spicer and Credo". Calls for Baird government to amend ICAC Act.
