Wollongong-born former MP joins UOW council

“Wollongong-born economist and former Labor MP Stephen Martin has been appointed to the University of Wollongong ’ s (UOW) council just days after it was criticised for its lack of Illawarra representation. Professor Martin was Speaker of the House of Representatives during the Keating government and served in the Parliament for 18 years, representing the Illawarra electorates of Macarthur and (following a redistribution) Cunningham. He taught economics at Bulli High School in the 1970s before lecturing in economics at UOW and receiving his doctorate in 1999. After a long career in the public service, in 2002 Professor Martin returned to UOW in as the Graduate School of Professional Development Director, before moving overseas to be chief executive of UOW ’ s Dubai campus. The appointment, made by NSW Tertiary Education Minister Steve Whan, comes after UOW was criticised for a lack of local representation on its governing council by the NSW university governance inquiry . “Although the Act identifies serving the Illawarra region as one of UOW ’ s functions, it does not require council members to be from the Illawarra, nor does it mandate any form of regional representation on the university council,” the inquiry interim report said . Professor Martin at a tax forum in 2011. Picture: Australian government. “Evidence to the inquiry suggested that limited regional connection among senior office-holders may affect the council ’ s understanding of local impacts.” UOW chancellor Michael Still said Professor Martin ’ s lifelong ties to Wollongong made him an outstanding addition to the council. More on this story: UOW scolded by inquiry | Universities respond to $1.8bn consultant spend | UOW offers new ‘critical thinking’ major Professor Martin has also served in leadership roles at Victoria University, Curtin University and Southern Cross University. He is the current chairman of the Bank of China (Australia) Ltd. “Professor Martin is, in every sense, a product of this region and this university, and we are delighted to welcome him back,” Mr Still said. “He brings to council an exceptional depth of experience across higher education leadership, public policy and economic governance.” The governance inquiry also raised concerns about undeclared commercial interests of members of the university council connected to the offshore campuses. UOW Global Enterprises owns and operates campuses in Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia and India, as well as the UOW College in Australia. A NSW governance inquiry recommended Minister Whan review UOW's commercial activities. Picture: Adam Yip. “[UOW Honorary Senior Fellow Adam Lucas] told the inquiry that a whistleblower had alleged that two members of the university council – who also served as directors of one of UOW ’ s overseas campuses – were each receiving approximately $50,000 in salaries that had not been declared to the council, nor publicly recorded,” the report said. “In his view, this presented ‘ an example of a conflict of interest that was being covered up ’ , in that the individuals concerned were both financially benefiting from their directorships and participating in council decisions regarding the ongoing status of the overseas campus.” Staff were also worried UOW, which has recently cut 192 positions and reduced its four faculties to three, was investing in overseas campuses at the expense of its Illawarra campus. The university has plans to build a new campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Inquiry chair Sarah Kaine recommended the NSW government review the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 to ensure claims of commercial‑in‑confidence are applied consistently and satisfy the public. She also said Minister Whan should request a report from the University of UOW council that outlines its commercial activities, for further interrogation. Minister Whan said he will await the final report to act, but flagged transparency, especially around consultant use, as an issue in NSW universities. He also said Professor Martin will serve UOW well. “I’m confident Professor Martin will make a strong contribution to the Council, bringing a wealth of experience across higher education and public service, along with a deep understanding of the Illawarra community,” he said.

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