Overview
- Gail Connolly resumed giving evidence for a third day during day 21 of the public ICAC inquiry and the commission announced it will sit into next week to complete its examination of evidence.
- Investigators have presented hundreds of WhatsApp and text messages from a Ryde-era group called the Pink Ops or Pink Ladies that the inquiry says show the women worked to subvert Parramatta recruitment processes.
- Counsel Assisting has put specific allegations to witnesses that Connolly and two staff, Roxanne Thornton and Angela Jones-Blayney, edited applications, shared interview questions and took other steps to help each other get roles.
- The inquiry is also examining claims Connolly misused public funds and council information, disclosed confidential material to third parties and authorised covert electronic surveillance of staff and at least one councillor.
- Thornton and Jones-Blayney remain on paid leave, Connolly has not worked in local government since October 2025, and the commission may make findings that lead to prosecutions, referrals or policy changes on council hiring and oversight.