10.53amPublic gallery almost fullBy Michael RufflesThe public gallery was almost full and had just settled when Chief Commissioner John Hatzistergos ordered everyone out of the room to go into private session. Former Parramatta Council chief executive Gail Connolly was among those who were also excused for the matter of the council’s change of lawyers to be dealt with.Connolly arrived less than 10 minutes before the hearing was due to resume, flanked by a legal team wearing navy and pink; the former council boss was part of a group known as the Pink Ladies.10.35amRequest made to have Herald reporter not sit in hearing roomBy Herald reporter Anthony Segaert has been informed by the ICAC that a request has been made on health grounds to have him not sit in the hearing room for today’s evidence.The ICAC said it would not act on the request, and didn’t say who the request came from.10.32amParramatta Council has a change in legal representationBy Anthony SegaertJust as quickly as things began, we’re back on pause.After a few moments of brief introductions, the commission is moving into a private session.Counsel Assisting Joanna Davidson, SC, says there’s been a change in legal representation for the City of Parramatta Council. We’re not told who it is because the chief commissioner has decided to take the discussion into a private session.So far this hearing, the council has been represented by Arthur Moses, SC, and Jaye Alderson.10.21amIn pictures: Connolly arrives for her hearingBy Anthony SegaertThe doors to the hearing room have just opened for those involved and the public to watch. Looks like we’ll be getting under way shortly.Here was the view photographer Jeremy Piper captured from Castlereagh Street a few minutes ago as Connolly arrived at the commission, flanked by legal team Andrew Pickles and Ryan Coffey of Martin Place Chambers.Gail Connolly arrives at the ICAC’s hearing.Jeremy PiperGail Connolly arrives at the ICAC’s hearing.Jeremy PiperGail Connolly arrives at the ICAC’s hearing.Jeremy Piper10.08amConnolly arrives at hearingBy Anthony SegaertGail Connolly has just arrived at the Independent Commission Against Corruption.The hearing will get under way shortly, though Chief Commissioner John Hatzistergos signalled yesterday that he had a morning meeting which may run late.9.15amWhat we’ve heard so farBy 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.One of the “Pink Ladies”, Roxanne Thornton, breaks down during her evidence earlier in this inquiry. ICACConnolly, 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 whistleblowing system, a current staff member said.8.40amThe allegationsBy 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.”8.02amGood morningBy 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, now on paid leave: Roxanne Thornton and Angela Jones-Blayney.Former Parramatta Council chief executive Gail Connolly will appear at the ICAC today.Wolter PeetersToday, 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.1 of 1