ICAC: SES deputy commissioner Steve Pearce admits forwarding 'offensive text' about Tara McCarthy NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Steven Pearce. A WHISTLEBLOWER who was sacked for raising allegations of corruption at the State Emergency Service was called a "rug munching bitch" who "will get what she deserves." A text message forwarded by Deputy Commissioner Steven Pearce to Commissioner Murray Kear in May this year has revealed their toxic relationship with former deputy commissioner Tara McCarthy. It was sent two weeks after Mr Kear sacked Ms McCarthy, who had uncovered a series of alleged issues about the performance of Mr Pearce and made complaints to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and SES management. Former SES deputy commissioner Tara McCarthy. Mr Pearce yesterday said the message was written by someone else but agreed it represented his views at that time. He agreed its contents were inappropriate and that he passed it on to support his boss and mate Mr Kear. Giving evidence at ICAC, Mr Kear denied he sacked Ms McCarthy in reprisal for making corruption allegations against Mr Pearce, questioning his judgment and criticising both men. "They weren't the only reasons, no," Mr Kear said. He denied his friendship with Mr Pearce influenced his professional decisions or having a conflict of interest when he assisted in Mr Pearce's appointment to the role. Mr Pearce was given a backdated pay increase this year after a performance review by Mr Kear, despite Ms McCarthy raising issues with his performance. The Commission has also been told Mr Kear failed to adequately investigate complaints about Mr Pearce raised by Ms McCarthy, who had introduced new governance and compliance measures at the SES. Mr Kear said it "never entered (my) mind" that Mr Pearce's handling was "corrupt." Mr Pearce, who admitted he once described Ms McCarthy's guidelines on employee expenditure as "ridiculous red tape," agreed it was appropriate Ms McCarthy asked him to repay a total of $647 he charged to the SES for additions to his car, including roof racks to carry his surfboards and electric brakes to tow a camper van he used when holidaying with Mr Kear.