ICAC Investigates Former Parramatta Council CEO and Staff

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has announced an investigation into former City of Parramatta Council chief executive Gail Connolly, council employees Angela Jones-Blayney and Roxanne Thornton, and other unnamed staff. The investigation is part of Operation Navarra.

The allegations include conducting improper surveillance and investigations into staff and a councillor to benefit friends and associates or as reprisal action.

Actions related to sackings, redundancy payments, and recruitment are also under examination. The first public hearing for Operation Navarra is scheduled for May 11.

Statements from Involved Parties

In a statement, Gail Connolly said:

"I maintain I have not acted inappropriately. That is why I welcome the opportunity to detail the facts before the Commission and clear my name."

Independent councillor Kellie Darley described the ICAC announcement as a "critical step towards restoring integrity and credibility at City of Parramatta Council."

Background to the Investigation

• Gail Connolly was terminated from her position in October of last year, two years before her contract's end.
• In July, ICAC raided the council's Wentworth Street offices as part of Operation Navarra.
• Data from the City of Parramatta shows the council spent approximately $4.3 million on redundancies between 2022 and the end of June 2025.
• Gail Connolly was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2023 for service to local government.
• ICAC has previously credited Gail Connolly with referring former Georges River councillors Con Hindi and Vince Badalati to the commission; both were later found to have engaged in serious corrupt conduct.

Separate Investigation

The ICAC investigation into Parramatta Council staff is separate from another reported ICAC probe examining allegations that property developer Jean Nassif sought to bribe members of a former Parramatta Council.