The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) has opened public hearings into allegations that three friends in powerful positions at Parramatta council, who called themselves the 'Pink Ops,' manipulated recruitment and promotion processes to benefit their associates.
Background of the 'Pink Ops'
Counsel assisting Joanna Davidson SC revealed that the three women—former chief executive Gail Connolly, Roxanne Thornton, and Angela Jones-Blayney—previously worked together at Ryde council, where they formed a group known as the 'Pink Ladies' or 'Pink Ops,' a play on the term 'Black Ops.' The group maintained close social ties and communicated via WhatsApp, with thousands of messages exchanged over years.
Davidson alleged that this network influenced key decisions at Parramatta council after Connolly became CEO in March 2023. The inquiry also examines whether Connolly and other staff conducted targeted electronic surveillance and reprisals against staff and a councillor, constituting a dishonest exercise of public functions.
Allegations of Recruitment Irregularities
Davidson said evidence would show a 'broader objective' to create vacancies for staff loyal to Connolly, including Thornton and Jones-Blayney. Specific allegations include:
- Connolly allegedly wrote Thornton's signature as a witness on her own employment contract while Thornton was absent.
- An essential law degree requirement for a chief governance officer role was removed to facilitate Thornton's appointment.
- Connolly allegedly gave Jones-Blayney advance access to interview questions and sat on her interview panel.
- Connolly's niece was allegedly assisted in securing a senior executive assistant role.
Surveillance and Reprisals
The inquiry heard that Connolly accessed the emails of councillor Kellie Darley after Darley opposed a sponsorship deal. Anonymous complaints about bullying by Thornton and Jones-Blayney led to an employee being investigated despite a 'lack of evidence.' The employee resigned after being asked to sign a deed of release. Another staff member was allegedly fired because Connolly viewed him as a threat.
Misuse of Public Funds
Icac is also investigating whether Connolly and others misused public funds for staff exits through deeds of release. Reports indicate the council spent $5.2 million removing 81 staff between January 2022 and May 2025.
Witness Testimony
The first witness, former executive Bernadette Cavanagh, testified that she feared losing her job after Connolly asked, 'Do you want a redundancy?' Cavanagh broke down in tears, describing the stress of potential job loss coinciding with her father's death. She later accepted a deed of release.
Parramatta council voted to terminate Connolly in October 2023. She denies wrongdoing. The council declined to comment while the inquiry continues. Public hearings are expected to last four weeks.
