Ex-university chancellor fronts corruption watchdog after resignation

Former University of Wollongong chancellor Michael Still has appeared before the state's corruption watchdog, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), just days after resigning his post. The ICAC is scrutinizing allegations of favoritism, conflicts of interest, and governance oversight failures at the university.

Mr. Still resigned from UOW on Friday, stating he did not want his involvement in the inquiry to negatively impact the institution. On Monday, he was questioned about plans for a proposed vice-president strategy and executive affairs role. These plans were developed in early 2025 as UOW faced significant organizational change and workforce pressures.

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That must be true because otherwise it wouldn't have been put forward in the way it was.

According to testimony, the proposal evolved from an earlier plan to expand former chief governance officer Alyssa White's responsibilities, carrying a remuneration package of approximately $388,000. Ms. White herself reportedly helped develop structures for a new Vice-Chancellor's Office, draft position descriptions, and prepare supporting papers for the proposal.

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This was all done at the behest of Professor Lu.

Mr. Still agreed he knew Ms. White wanted the role but repeatedly maintained the proposal originated with the incoming vice-chancellor, Max Lu. "That must be true because otherwise it wouldn't have been put forward in the way it was," Mr. Still said, adding, "This was all done at the behest of Professor Lu."

Concerns about the plan were raised by UOW People and Culture executive Alison Bourke and general counsel Rebecca Lim, including whether the position should be advertised and potential industrial risks. Mr. Still acknowledged seeking ways to bypass a required waiting period, but insisted he was trying to implement Professor Lu's preferred structure, not secure the role for Ms. White. He denied it crossed his mind that Ms. White developing materials for a position she hoped to fill constituted a conflict of interest. Text messages revealed Mr. Still described the situation as "a little silly" after being informed Ms. Bourke wished to discuss concerns directly with him, which he stated referred to the manner of the discussion, not the conflict itself.

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a little silly