City of Canada Bay Council – allegations concerning the Mayor and others (Operation Tolosa)

The public inquiry in this matter is complete. See below for transcripts, exhibits and other information.

The ICAC is investigating an allegation that, since 2012, City of Canada Bay Mayor Councillor Angelo Tsirekas has partially exercised his official functions to favour the interests of Billbergia Pty Ltd, Prolet Pty Ltd and Joseph Chidiac, in relation to planning matters affecting those companies and deliberately failed to declare or properly manage any conflict of interest arising from his relationships with representatives of Billbergia Pty Ltd, Prolet Constructions Pty Ltd and Mr Chidiac.

It is also alleged that, since 2015, Councillor Tsirekas has partially exercised his official functions to favour the interests of Frank Bruzzano in relation to the development application for 168-172 Victoria Road, Drummoyne, and deliberately failed to declare or properly manage any conflict of interest arising from his relationship with Mr Bruzzano.

It is also alleged that, since 2015, Councillor Tsirekas sought, and/or accepted benefits, as an inducement or reward for partially and dishonestly exercising his official functions to favour the interests of I-Prosperity Group and Mr Chidiac, in relation to planning matters affecting 1-9 Marquet Street and 4 Mary Street, Rhodes. Councillor Tsirekas is also alleged to have deliberately failed to declare or properly manage any conflict of interest arising from his relationships with representatives of I-Prosperity Group and Mr Chidiac. Since 2015, I-Prosperity Group and Mr Chidiac have allegedly provided benefits, including overseas flights and accommodation, to Councillor Tsirekas, as a reward or inducement to favour their interests in relation to Council decisions regarding planning matters affecting 1-9 Marquet Street and 4 Mary Street, Rhodes.

Further, since 2015, Councillor Tsirekas is alleged to have partially and dishonestly exercised his official functions and failed to disclose the nature of his relationship with Francesco Colacicco, in relation to the sale of Council property at 231 Victoria Road, Drummoyne, and development applications/planning proposals associated with Mr Colacicco, in return for a financial benefit.

On 20 April 2022, the Commission announced a further allegation that, between May 2015 and January 2018, Gary Sawyer, former General Manager of the City of Canada Bay Council, partially and dishonestly exercised his official functions and failed to disclose the nature of his relationship with Mr Colacicco, in relation to the sale of Council property at 231 Victoria Road, Drummoyne, and the associated development application.

View the Operation Tolosa submissions timetable

Download the list of legal representatives granted leave to appear (PDF)

Download the Operation Tolosa opening statement (PDF)

Download the Operation Tolosa opening statement slides (PDF)

Download the public inquiry Covid-19 protocol (PDF)