The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is delving into the City of Parramatta Council, with recent hearings focusing on a senior executive's direct appointment of a former colleague to a newly created role. The individual, Angela Jones-Blayney, reportedly lacked the necessary qualifications as assessed by a council recruitment panel. The circumstances surrounding this appointment, including allegations of bullying complaints and the creation of a position that potentially impacted existing roles, are now under the commission's microscope.
The ICAC's focus extends beyond this single appointment. Earlier inquiries, commencing around April 2026, signalled a broader investigation into the conduct of former Chief Executive Officer, Gail Connolly, and other council staff. Allegations include the potential misuse of public funds for staff exits, the subversion of proper processes, and the use of council systems for targeted surveillance and reprisal actions. These broader investigations into potential breaches of public trust were scheduled for public hearings in May 2026.
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Executive Appointment Raises Questions
At the heart of the recent ICAC revelations is the creation of a manager-level position. This role was reportedly established by an executive, who then directly appointed Jones-Blayney to it. This move occurred despite a council recruitment panel's assessment that she was not qualified for the position. Reports suggest that Jones-Blayney and a colleague had discovered plans to create this new role, which would have directly affected their own positions. The executive who made the appointment, and Gail Connolly, are yet to provide testimony before the inquiry regarding these matters.
Further complicating the situation, the executive who appointed Jones-Blayney had previously filed a bullying complaint against her. Connolly, the CEO at the time, reportedly informed the complainant that she had insufficient time to investigate the bullying claim fully.
Broader ICAC Investigation into Council Operations
The inquiry into the specific appointment appears to be part of a larger, ongoing investigation by the ICAC into the City of Parramatta Council. Announced in April 2026, the commission's investigation covers allegations concerning former CEO Gail Connolly, and employees Angela Jones-Blayney and Roxanne Thornton, among others.
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The commission is examining whether official functions were improperly exercised since April 2023. Specifically, it is investigating claims of:
Intentionally subverting processes.
Misusing council systems and information for personal advantage or to benefit associates, potentially including targeted electronic surveillance and investigations of staff and councillors.
Terminating staff under circumstances that suggest a dishonest or partial exercise of public official functions, possibly for reprisal, personal gain, or to benefit friends.
Misusing public funds to facilitate staff departures for personal advantage or to benefit others.
The public inquiry, presided over by Chief Commissioner John Hatzistergos AM, was set to proceed with proceedings accessible to the media and public, either in person or via live stream on the ICAC website.
Background: Council Turnover and Previous Scrutiny
The City of Parramatta Council has experienced a period of significant upheaval. Gail Connolly was terminated as CEO on October 13, 2025, following a tumultuous period. This dismissal occurred against a backdrop of multiple investigations into council operations.
Previous reports from April 2026 highlighted the ICAC's launch of an inquiry into former council employees, including Connolly. These investigations aimed to probe potential breaches of public trust. One case mentioned involved a former employee alleging that a CEO, who had previously overseen their employment at another organisation, refused to appoint them to a new position due to their prior involvement in unfair dismissal proceedings. The CEO in question had stated reasons for ending the recruitment based on previous observations of the worker's ethic.
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Separately, an ICAC report from April 2024 identified corrupt conduct flourishing amidst the 'chaotic' and poorly governed environment of the post-amalgamation period for western Sydney councils. This report detailed schemes such as dummy bidding and collusive tendering within Transport for NSW projects, suggesting systemic issues in governance and procurement oversight that could allow for such irregularities.
