University of Wollongong Chancellor Stands Aside Amid ICAC Inquiry

Michael Still has stepped aside as UOW chancellor pending the outcome of a public inquiry by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), with Greg West appointed as acting chancellor.

The inquiry, named Operation Scandi, is examining allegations of corruption involving senior university staff. The public hearing is scheduled for three weeks.

ICAC Inquiry Scope

The investigation focuses on three primary areas of concern:

• Whether former chief governance officer Alyssa White, or other staff, manipulated recruitment processes for governance roles
• Whether since 2024, Mr. Still, Ms. White, or other staff improperly awarded or influenced the awarding of work to the consultancy firm Aspirall Consulting International
• Whether Mr. Still or other staff failed to properly manage conflicts of interest related to the employment of John Dewar as interim vice-chancellor and the engagement of KordaMentha

Recruitment Process Allegations

Counsel assisting the commissioner, Emma Bathurst, alleged that Ms. White manipulated recruitment processes between 2023 and 2024 to benefit her friends and former associates.

Key allegations include:

• Positions were created with specific candidates in mind
• Candidates received preferential assistance with application materials, including interview questions
• Ms. White allegedly failed to comply with the university's conflict of interest policy while serving on selection panels

The inquiry heard that Ms. White assisted at least 10 individuals, including high school friends and former colleagues from the University of Sydney.

Specific Recruitment Cases

Lucinda Wright: Testified that she received interview questions from Ms. White, which she described as "helpful prep." She acknowledged there "may have been a risk" she was advantaged. Ms. White sat on the interview panel without disclosing their friendship.

Matthew Dawkins: A former electrician with no governance experience. Ms. White sent him a job link and advised him to hide their acquaintance. Mr. Dawkins submitted his application late and failed to complete a pre-interview task. He testified that concealing the friendship gave him a "significant advantage" and undermined the probity of the recruitment process.

Kayla Powell: Ms. White provided interview questions and discussed scheduling.

Evidence is expected to show that recruitment processes were subverted at least 10 times to benefit Ms. White's associates. Ms. White also attempted to create a new role for herself with a salary of $388,000. She resigned on June 21, 2026, the day before the hearing began.

Conflicts of Interest and Timeline Alteration

The inquiry is examining the appointment of Professor John Dewar as interim vice-chancellor while he maintained an ongoing relationship with KordaMentha, where he was a partner.

Four days after taking the role in 2024, UOW invited KordaMentha to tender for an operational review initially costed at approximately $300,000. Total spending on KordaMentha exceeded $3.7 million, including $835,090 from the council discretionary fund.

Governance manager Stacey Oon testified that Ms. White asked her to amend timelines to make it appear that the tender panel was unaware of Mr. Dewar's appointment when it selected KordaMentha. Ms. Oon stated this would not work because Mr. Dewar's appointment was announced before the panel's decision. She said she felt "trapped" in a workplace that became "quite toxic."

Communication regarding Mr. Dewar's appointment was conducted via personal Gmail accounts due to the sensitivity of the situation at the university.

Broader Investigations

The inquiry is also examining whether Ms. White, Mr. Still, or other staff improperly awarded consulting work to Aspirall Consulting International, and whether procurement processes were followed.

The investigation will further consider broader corruption prevention issues and whether university governance systems are adequate.

Hearing Schedule

The first week of the inquiry focused on recruitment allegations, with current and former governance staff giving evidence. Testimony from Ms. White, Mr. Still, and Mr. Dewar is expected later in the inquiry.

Background

The ICAC public inquiry was announced a month after a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry into the university sector recommended immediate action at the university in an interim report. Additionally, Lisa Simmons, a 24-year employee of the university, launched an online petition calling for Mr. Still to stand aside.