Overview
- The NSW corruption watchdog’s Operation Navarra is continuing public hearings this week with former City of Parramatta CEO Gail Connolly on the stand as investigators examine allegations of staff targeting and recruitment manipulation.
- Connolly told ICAC she traced Roxanne Thornton’s electronic signature onto a wet-ink contract to finalise her own more-than $500,000 appointment before councillors could rescind the offer.
- She also admitted writing and sending a September 2024 anonymous email to reporters that alleged time-sheet fraud at the council after she said internal inquiries were not progressing.
- Former staff who gave evidence said they felt pressured to resign and sign deeds of release that disguised negotiated exits as resignations and involved public payouts.
- The commission has relied on text threads, emails and witness testimony to probe a close-knit group dubbed the 'Pink Ladies' and the hearings may result in findings, referrals for prosecution or recommendations on governance reform.