It seems that there is no early respite to the two senior NSW government bureaucrats, including a former Land and Property Management Authority CEO Warwick Watkins and his chief of staff, Mark Matchett, from the upfront questioning from a high-level inquiry panel of an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

As per reports, ICAC has accused involvement of Mr. Watkins in the sale of a former union retreat on Sydney's northern beaches, without being authorized to do by the government.

Adding to the woes, the duo was caught discussing something in a secretive meeting at a roadside, near the disused toll gates of the Old Pacific Highway on June 4.

To escape further problem, Mr. Matchett pointed to Mr. Watkins for calling to meet at a Berowra rest area and further told ICAC Commissioner David Ipp that "He (Mr. Watkins) advised me at the end of the meeting that for him to meet with anyone and discuss the outcome of this interview (with ICAC) on the previous Friday, that he could be in serious trouble”.

In addition to these two, the Former Labor lands minister Tony Kelly has been accused of issuing a backdated letter for Mr. Watkins, thereby allowing authorizing for the transaction on February 28.

Moreover, Mr. Kelly had tabled his resignation from the state parliament, after this report. Reports have confirmed that Mr. Matchett will be quizzed by the commission on June 6.