ICAC investigates alleged corruption at UOW

“The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will investigate the executive team at the University of Wollongong, including chancellor Michael Still, over allegations of corruption. The commission will decide whether Mr Still or other university staff improperly hired interim vice-chancellor John Dewar whilst simultaneously contracting consultancy KordaMentha to organise a restructure at the institution. Mr Dewar is a partner at KordaMentha, but has said he was on unpaid leave whilst leading UOW. Mr Still and the university have also denied claims there was a conflict of interest. ICAC will also investigate whether UOW’s chief governance officer and secretary, Alyssa White, or any other staff, subverted recruitment processes, and whether Mr Still, Ms White, or other staff improperly awarded work to consultancy Aspirall Consulting International. A statement from UOW acknowledged the gravity of the allegations. “The university has been co-operating fully with the NSW ICAC throughout its investigation and while the university was prohibited from disclosing the investigation prior to today, we want to acknowledge the gravity of these allegations,” it said. More on this story: Wollongong-born former MP joins UOW council | Universities respond to $1.8bn consultant spend | New UOW leadership reduces job cuts “The university understands the public interest in this matter, but will not be making any comment about the investigation while the hearings are underway.” The probe, to begin on June 22, comes a month after the NSW parliamentary inquiry into university governance interim report recommended ICAC investigate the university . Witnesses at multiple hearings flagged possible corruption and conflict of interests in hiring practices, especially involving Mr Dewar, Kordamentha and the restructure that cut 190 jobs and multiple courses. Chancellor Still told the inquiry that Mr Dewar, an experienced former vice-chancellor who led La Trobe University for 12 years, did not engage with KordaMentha whilst leading UOW. He said Professor Dewar was separated from KordaMentha operations, a formal conflict‑management plan was in place, and he had no role in awarding or overseeing the tender.

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