ICAC to investigate University of Wollongong executive staff over recruitment and consultancy allegations

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will investigate allegations against executive staff, including Chancellor Michael Still, at the University of Wollongong (UoW).

ICAC announced the public inquiry today, a month after a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the university sector recommended immediate action at the university in an interim report.

The 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.

Finally, 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.

The inquiry will start on Monday, June 22.

Inquiry probes university

The upper house inquiry heard from University of Wollongong staff and executives at a hearing in December.

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.

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.

Staff union calls for action

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) 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."

Local branch secretary Susan Engel said staff expected university management to engage transparently and in good faith with the investigation.

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.