ICAC Operation Navarra live: Sacked Parramatta Council CEO faces cross-examination

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has entered its 24th day of a high-profile public inquiry into allegations involving the former chief executive of the City of Parramatta, Gail Connolly, and several other staff members. The focus of the inquiry, known as Operation Navarra, centers around whether these individuals misused public funds, manipulated internal processes, and violated confidentiality protocols. Today marks a significant phase in the proceedings, as Connolly, who was sacked from her position earlier this year, faces cross-examination by Arthur Moses SC, representing the City of Parramatta Council, alongside legal representatives for another individual under scrutiny—Roxanne Thornton.

The hearing commenced shortly after 9:51 am, with Chief Commissioner John Hatzistergos indicating that the session would conclude by 11:00 am for a scheduled morning tea break. As always, the proceedings are available for public viewing via livestream, allowing transparency in the process. This particular day follows a series of intense testimonies and revelations over the past weeks, with Connolly already spending six days in the witness box, potentially making this her final day of testimony.

A notable moment occurred during the previous day's proceedings, where former Liberal federal MP Jenny Ware was spotted in the public gallery observing the hearings. Ware, who represents the southern Sydney electorate of Hughes, was seen leaving with Roxanne Thornton, one of the three individuals currently under investigation. This connection is particularly intriguing given that texts revealed Connolly, Thornton, and their mutual friend Angela Jones-Blayney had traveled to Canberra to witness Ware's maiden parliamentary speech in July 2022, following her election victory in Hughes. Despite the apparent link, Ware did not offer any comments when approached by reporters.

Arthur Moses SC initiated the cross-examination of Connolly, focusing heavily on her alleged failure to disclose conflicts of interest regarding the hiring of her friends, Angela Jones-Blayney and Roxanne Thornton. He challenged her assertions, suggesting that such actions constituted corrupt behavior. Additionally, Moses questioned Connolly about her decision to withhold certain documents and information from the council's members, specifically concerning redundancy payouts for various employees. He argued that by doing so, she effectively positioned herself as the sole arbiter of information, disregarding the accountability expected of a CEO towards the council.

Connolly responded by asserting that while CEOs are indeed accountable to the council, they must exercise caution in distributing sensitive information, citing specific legislative acts that restrict what councillors are entitled to know. Her defense highlights the complexity surrounding the balance between transparency and the protection of confidential data within governmental operations.

As the inquiry continues, the implications of these proceedings extend beyond the immediate case. The outcomes could influence future governance practices within local councils, emphasizing the need for stringent adherence to ethical standards and transparency. With the cross-examinations ongoing, the attention remains fixed on how Connolly and others under scrutiny will respond to the mounting pressures and allegations. The upcoming days promise further revelations as the ICAC delves deeper into the intricacies of the case, seeking clarity on the extent of misconduct and its repercussions on public trust and institutional integrity.