Canberra Institute of Technology CEO Margot McNeill resigns following inquiry criticism

The CEO of the Canberra Institute of Technology, Margot McNeill, has announced her resignation from the position after months of scrutiny.

Last week, an ACT Legislative Assembly committee criticised her as having been "deliberately obstructive" during a probe into whether she gave false or misleading evidence to an inquiry into her recruitment.

In the statement announcing her resignation, Dr McNeill said her decision was "tremendously difficult" but was in the best interests of CIT, herself, and her family.

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) chief executive Margot McNeill has resigned from the role after months of pressure to step down.

Dr McNeill's appointment as CIT CEO was brought into question earlier this year after revelations she had failed to disclose an investigation into misconduct in her previous role at TAFE NSW.

In the statement announcing her resignation, Dr McNeill said her decision was "tremendously difficult".

"It has become clear that this decision is in the best interest of the CIT community, especially students and staff, about whom I care deeply. Equally, it is in my best interest, including that of my family,"

she said.

Dr McNeill was appointed as CEO in June 2025.

In May this year, Dr McNeill came under further pressure to resign after an ACT Legislative Assembly inquiry found she "should have disclosed the information about the misconduct investigation or findings to the CIT board in a timely manner and that she did not".

Dr McNeill had repeatedly said she was under a strict obligation not to share the existence of the investigation, but TAFE NSW has publicly contradicted that.

Her evidence before the initial committee triggered another assembly probe, which questioned whether Dr McNeill had misled the assembly.

Its findings, released last week, criticised Dr McNeill as having been "deliberately obstructive" and "combative".

Dr McNeill's legal case against TAFE NSW is ongoing in the NSW Supreme Court.

'A dream opportunity'

Dr McNeill has been on extended leave amid the controversy.

On Friday last week, Mitch Pirie was appointed acting CEO.

Until now he has been the ACT government's acting deputy under treasurer.

In a statement about her resignation, Dr McNeill said it had been "a source of great pride" to lead the "much-loved Canberra institution.

"Sector leaders encouraged me to apply for this role in recognition of my extensive expertise in tertiary harmonisation and education excellence," she said.

"It was a dream opportunity to use my experience and leadership to position CIT as a hub for innovation during such an exciting period in tertiary education transformation."

Dr McNeill added that she continued to be passionate about the value of the vocational education and training sector, which she had "dedicated 40 years of [her] life to".

In a statement, CIT said its board had accepted Dr McNeill's resignation from the position.

"Dr McNeill led CIT over the last 13 months, bringing considerable expertise and energy to the role and introduced significant changes to CIT's operations, including reductions in executive staffing and increased staff communications," the statement said.

" During her tenure, there was a 10 per cent increase in enrolments, and a strong uptake of new diploma to bachelor pathways with the University of Canberra. We wish Dr McNeill every success in the future. "