ICAC disappointed at 'hauteur' criticism

The NSW corruption watchdog is disappointed after the ICAC inspector criticised it for acting with "hauteur".

In his annual report, Inspector David Levine said the past year had "given rise to a great deal of publicity, some of which reflects perceptible attitudes - for and against ICAC - which might have the effect of diminishing the standing of the institution".

"If the ICAC is to perform its serious work seriously, then it must be taken seriously."

Mr Levine also said the relationship between his office and ICAC did not "reflect well".

"It has been characterised by what I regard as `hauteur' on the part of the ICAC as an institution towards myself, the (state) parliament, the media and certainly towards the persons who have connection with the ICAC purporting to act in accordance with the terms of its statute," he wrote in the 2014/15b report tabled in the NSW Parliament last week.

The ICAC responded on Monday that it was disappointed Mr Levine had found "it has treated him with hauteur and might be perceived as arrogant".

"The inspector has never raised with the commission any issue about its attitude towards him," a spokeswoman said.

Independent Commission Against Corruption pointed to Mr Levine's finding that none of 60 new complaints made about the watchdog were substantiated.

The annual report comes amid fresh claims ICAC investigators threatened Sophia Tilley with jail as they demanded she hand over her mobile phone as part of an investigation into her boyfriend's mother, top NSW silk Margaret Cunneen SC.

Investigators warned Ms Tilley not to tell anyone about their visit, and told her she would "face five years in prison" if she did not comply with their demands, The Australian reported on Monday.

ICAC declined to comment on Ms Tilley's claims.

ICAC had been investigating claims senior NSW prosecutor Ms Cunneen advised Ms Tilley to fake chest pains after a 2014 car crash, in order to avoid a blood alcohol test.

Ms Cunneen has consistently denied the allegations.

The High Court ruled in April the investigation did not fall within the scope of ICAC's functions.