Epping sits inside the council under ICAC’s microscope
The NSW ICAC’s Operation Navarra public inquiry into the City of Parramatta Council started Monday 11 May 2026 and ran through the week, examining allegations against former CEO Gail Connolly and senior staff. Because Epping (south of the railway line) sits in the City of Parramatta LGA, every Epping ratepayer is funding the council now defending its conduct, and the inquiry is shaping how Council handles every Epping decision (Town Centre Master Plan, Bridge interface, Community Centre upgrade) for the next month at minimum.
Inquiry began 10:00am Monday 11 May 2026 at Level 7, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney; presided over by Chief Commissioner the Hon John Hatzistergos AM; Counsel Assisting are Joanna Davidson SC and Claire Palmer; scheduled for four weeks; livestreamed on icac.nsw.gov.au. Allegations include targeted electronic surveillance of staff and at least one councillor (reportedly Cr Kellie Darley), reprisal terminations using deeds of release, and subversion of recruitment processes. Council’s 28 April meeting (summary published 11 May) formally acknowledged the inquiry, reaffirmed “zero tolerance for corruption,” and approved weekly meetings, legal support and a dedicated public information webpage.