Source : the age
Gail Connolly has been mentioned every day at this hearing. So far, the ICAC has heard evidence that Connolly and her friends, Roxanne Thornton and Angela Jones-Blayney, called themselves the Pink Ladies.
The Pink Ladies, also made up of other women in local government, went on holiday together and connected extensively over a common interest in netball.
Connolly, according to Counsel Assisting Joanna Davidson SC’s opening address, was behind an anonymous email sent to discredit a former staff member running for council.
She gave approval for the reading of emails of a staff member who had made confidential bullying complaints through a whistle-blowing system, a current staff member said.
Gail Connolly was appointed CEO of Parramatta Council in 2023. She was sacked by councillors in a lengthy late-night meeting in October 2025.
The ICAC is investigating a string of allegations against her, including that she:
- subverted proper processes and misused systems and information to spy on staff and a councillor;
- terminated staff for reprisal action or to benefit herself, friends or associates;
- subverted recruitment and promotion practices to benefit friends or associates;
- misused public funds to have staff leave the council via deeds of release, to benefit herself or others; and,
- misused council information by disclosing confidential information to third parties for personal benefit.
When the inquiry was announced, 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.”
Good morning and welcome to day 18 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s public inquiry into the City of Parramatta’s former chief executive Gail Connolly and two other staff, currently on paid leave: Roxanne Thornton and Angela Jones-Blayney.
Today, Connolly will appear for the first time.
Her examination is listed for today and tomorrow, but ICAC Chief Commissioner John Hatzistergos warned earlier that the inquiry could stretch into next week.
