The anti-corruption commission is to examine allegations about recruitment and the employment of a consultancy firm against Chancellor Michael Still and other members of the university's executive.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption is to investigate allegations relating to the University of Wollongong. The Commission will probe allegations against Chancellor Michael Still and around the employment of consultancy firm KordaMentha.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption will investigate allegations against executive staff, including Chancellor Michael Still, at the University of Wollongong . ICAC announced the public inquiry today, a month after a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the university sector recommended immediate action at the university inThe corruption watchdog has confirmed three main areas it will probe, including whether the University's chief governance officer and secretary, Alyssa White, or any other staff subverted recruitment processes for governance roles.
The commission will also examine whether, since 2024, Chancellor Michael Still, Ms White, or any other staff improperly awarded or influenced the awarding of work to a consultancy company, Aspirall Consulting International. ABC Illawarra: Justin HuntsdaleFinally, ICAC will examine whether Mr Still, or any other university staff or contractor, failed to properly manage the conflict of interest relating to the employment of John Dewar as interim vice-chancellor and the engagement of KordaMentha.
Mr Still was asked about the engagement of Aspirall Consulting International to undertake workshops with staff on the appointment of a new vice-chancellor in 2024 and whether he had any personal relationships with executives at the firm. Mr Still said he recommended Aspirall because he had successfully worked with them previously, but denied any personal relationship with its CEO or other executives.
The inquiry also questioned Mr Dewar about his role as interim vice-chancellor coinciding with the appointment of KordaMentha, a firm he was a partner at, as a consultant at the university. KordaMentha partner and former UoW interim vice-chancellor John Dewar is questioned during the inquiry.
Mr Dewar told the inquiry he had no involvement in the appointment and had taken leave from his role at KordaMentha during his term as interim vice-chancellor, although he continued attending some meetings at the firm. The National Tertiary Education Union president Dr Alison Barnes said university staff across the country were “dismayed but not shocked” by the ICAC announcement.
"We know staff at UoW are feeling increasingly demoralised, distressed and their wellbeing is being compromised,” she said. "We need full transparency and accountability. The university must take action to restore public confidence in the University of Wollongong.
"Supplied: Susan EngelLocal branch secretary Susan Engel said staff expected university management to engage transparently and in good faith with the investigation. "This ICAC announcement is further vindication of union members call for urgent governance reform in our public universities, including more staff representation on Academic Council,"In a statement, a spokesperson for KordaMentha said the company supported the "important work" of the ICAC and would cooperate fully if called to participate in the inquiry.
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ICAC to hold public inquiry into University of Wollongong chancellor and senior staffThe Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) announced a three-week public hearing into the University of Wollongong, investigating Chancellor Michael Still, Alyssa White, and other staff. The inquiry will examine alleged improper recruitment processes, improper awarding of work to Aspirall Consulting International, and failure to manage conflicts of interest regarding the appointment of John Dewar as interim vice-chancellor and the engagement of KordaMentha Pty Ltd.
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