ICAC Inquiry Exposes Alleged Corruption at Parramatta Council
The inquiry, part of Operation Navarra, examined claims that three senior women subverted hiring processes, conducted improper surveillance, and misused public funds.
Key Individuals and Relationships
Gail Connolly was appointed CEO of the City of Parramatta Council in April 2023. Her employment was terminated by councillors on October 13, 2025. Roxanne Thornton served as chief governance and risk officer and later as group manager, Office of the Lord Mayor and CEO. Angela Jones-Blayney was hired as executive director of city engagement and experience in 2023. Both women were appointed within months of Connolly becoming CEO.
Connolly and Jones-Blayney have known each other for nearly 30 years and previously worked together at the City of Sydney. Connolly, Thornton, and Jones-Blayney were members of a self-described group called the "Pink Ladies" (also referred to as "Pink Ops"), which included other women working in local government. The group socialized at netball games, birthdays, and weekends away.
Allegations of Recruitment Manipulation
The inquiry investigated allegations that the three women subverted recruitment and promotion processes to benefit friends and associates.
Thornton's Admissions
"I've admitted to everything, but this public shaming … you should all be f---ing ashamed of yourselves." — Roxanne Thornton
Thornton testified that she manipulated recruitment processes for multiple candidates. She admitted to editing a cover letter and resume for Anna Svorinic for the role of executive officer to the CEO. Thornton said she sent interview questions and model answers from her personal email to Svorinic, made an exception for a late application, and had the tertiary education requirement removed to ensure Svorinic's eligibility. Thornton also wrote a cover letter and provided interview information for another associate, Sue Matthews, who later withdrew her application.
Thornton acknowledged her actions were "untoward" and stated she acted because she believed she would not get caught. She said she sat on the interview panel with colleagues John Crawford and Jones-Blayney, who were not aware of her actions. Thornton described the hiring processes as a "charade." She repeatedly stated that former CEO Connolly was unaware of these practices.
Thornton admitted to undermining recruitment processes for Anna Svorinic, Marina Cavar, and Heidi Wenham.
Job Descriptions and Restructures
Text messages between Thornton and Connolly, sent while Thornton was employed at Bankstown-Canterbury Council, showed Thornton drafting a restructure of Parramatta's leadership team. When asked whether the restructure was designed to create a role for her, Thornton replied, "I don't know if it was as specific as that."
A photo sent by Thornton to Connolly, showing a handwritten note detailing Thornton's salary and entitlements at Bankstown-Canterbury, was presented. Thornton stated she sent the photo because she "was too lazy to type it." In July, Connolly shared a draft position description for the role of chief governance and risk officer with Thornton. Thornton was later offered a role with a $40,000 pay increase.
Text messages included Connolly writing, "Hopefully by the end of this week I will have two pink ladies about to come on board at Parra!" and Thornton replying, "I'm counting down the days!" Thornton confirmed she attended a celebratory lunch with Connolly and Jones-Blayney at Ruse Bar and Brasserie in Parramatta in recognition of their appointments.
Surveillance and Staff Treatment
The inquiry heard allegations that Connolly and other staff conducted improper surveillance and investigations into staff and a councillor.
Electronic Surveillance
Connolly authorized chief technology officer John Crawford to conduct covert surveillance on individuals she regarded as threats, including councillor Kellie Darley and staff member Sheree Gover. Crawford described the workplace as "psychologically unsafe." Former employee Gover's emails and Teams messages were surveilled by council executives under Connolly's approval after complaints via the whistleblowing system. Jones-Blayney believed the complaints were orchestrated by Gover.
Staff Removal and Redundancies
Text messages presented to the inquiry showed discussions about removing staff. In September 2023, Connolly texted Jones-Blayney: "Only a few more to get rid of and we will be on fire." In October 2023, Jones-Blayney texted Thornton: "All those f---ers did nothing."
Connolly is alleged to have offered HR boss Bernadette Cavanagh a redundancy of $350,000 after suspecting Cavanagh was a source for a media story. Connolly said she asked Cavanagh if she wanted redundancy, not offered it. Council data shows the council spent approximately $4.3 million on redundancies between 2022 and the end of June 2025. A separate figure from one source indicates $5.2 million was paid to over 80 employees who were fired or made redundant from 2022 to 2025.
Evidence presented on day 21 of the inquiry indicated Connolly made staff redundant, described the departures as resignations, and "obscured" this from councillors in reports and briefings. She directly informed councillors that no redundancies had occurred.
Contract Signing
The inquiry heard that Connolly copied Thornton's signature to sign Thornton's $500,000 per year contract before a motion to rescind could be presented.
Other Allegations
Connolly is alleged to have disclosed confidential information to third parties. Connolly reportedly avoided using her work email for transparency, using private email instead. The inquiry also heard that Connolly's involvement in hiring her niece was described by the chief people and culture officer as a "shit decision." A conflict-of-interest declaration form was filled by Connolly and signed by the officer, stating he would oversee the hiring process for her niece.
Witness Statements and Testimony
Thornton became emotional during her testimony, saying, "I've admitted to everything, but this public shaming … you should all be f---ing ashamed of yourselves." She accepted that her personal difficulty with trust did not excuse her breaches of obligations. Chief Commissioner John Hatzistergos directed witnesses to listen to questions and respond directly.
Jones-Blayney described being a "number one fan" and willing to "walk over hot coals" for Connolly. She told ICAC she and Connolly were "great friends." Jones-Blayney could not recall the meaning of some messages, including "those guys are gonna disappear into a big blackhole." In messages, Jones-Blayney referred to Connolly as a "beautiful friend" and praised her.
In a statement prior to the inquiry, 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."
Connolly testified on her fourth day as a witness that she anticipated being fired by councillors more than a year before her actual termination. She stated: "It was clear I was going to be terminated" in the lead-up to the September 2024 local government elections. She was sacked on October 13, 2025. Connolly said she would be willing to help write recommendations for the inquiry.
Current Status
Thornton and Jones-Blayney are on paid leave from the City of Parramatta. Connolly has not worked for the council since October 2025 and is unemployed. The inquiry has continued hearing evidence.
Related Matters
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. ICAC has previously credited 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. Connolly was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2023 for service to local government.