The inquiry, known as Operation Navarra, is scheduled to begin on Monday, 11 May 2026.

The investigation focuses on former Chief Executive Officer Gail Connolly, along with council employees Angela Jones-Blayney, Roxanne Thornton, and other staff members. The Commission is examining whether these officials:

• Conducted Targeted Surveillance: Used council systems to monitor staff and a councillor for personal advantage or to benefit associates.
• Manipulated Recruitment: Subverted proper hiring and promotion processes to favour specific individuals.
• Misused Public Funds: Utilised council money to facilitate the exit of certain staff members through “deeds of release” for personal or reprisal purposes.
• Breached Public Trust: Disclosed confidential council information to third parties and engaged in retaliatory terminations of staff.

The inquiry follows a period of significant turmoil at the council, including the abrupt termination of Ms. Connolly’s contract in late 2025 and reported raids by ICAC officers at the council’s administration offices.

The public inquiry aims to determine whether the conduct in question constitutes a breach of the ICAC Act and to gather evidence regarding the integrity of the council’s internal processes since April 2023.

Full details and future transcripts can be accessed via the official ICAC website.