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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

ICAC to probe University of Wollongong executives over allegations

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will investigate allegations against executive staff at the University of Wollongong.
  • The inquiry will examine potential subversion of recruitment processes, improper awarding of consultancy work, and conflicts of interest regarding senior appointments.
  • The investigation follows an interim report from a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the university sector.

Australia's corruption watchdog, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), will launch a public inquiry into allegations against senior figures at the University of Wollongong. The investigation, set to begin June 22, will scrutinize claims of misconduct involving executive staff, including Chancellor Michael Still and chief governance officer Alyssa White.

We know staff at UoW are feeling increasingly demoralised, distressed and their wellbeing is being compromised.

— Dr Alison BarnesThe National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) president commented on the impact of the allegations on university staff.

The ICAC will focus on three key areas. First, it will probe whether recruitment processes for governance roles were subverted. Second, the commission will examine the awarding of work to Aspirall Consulting International since 2024, investigating claims that staff improperly influenced these decisions. Finally, the inquiry will look into potential conflicts of interest concerning the engagement of John Dewar as interim vice-chancellor and the firm KordaMentha.

These allegations surfaced during a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the university sector, which recommended immediate action at the University of Wollongong in an interim report last month. During that inquiry, Chancellor Michael Still stated he recommended Aspirall Consulting International based on previous successful collaborations, denying personal relationships with the firm's executives. John Dewar, former interim vice-chancellor, also faced questions about his role in KordaMentha's engagement while he was at the firm.

We need full transparency and accountability. The university must take action to restore public confidence in the University of Wollongong.

— Dr Alison BarnesThe NTEU president called for action following the ICAC announcement.

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) expressed dismay but not surprise at the announcement. NTEU president Dr. Alison Barnes stated that university staff feel demoralized and that transparency and accountability are needed to restore public confidence. Local branch secretary Susan Engel added that staff expect transparent engagement with the investigation, calling the ICAC's announcement

This ICAC announcement is vindication for staff.

— Susan EngelThe local branch secretary of the NTEU described the ICAC's decision to investigate.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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