ICAC Inquiry into University of Wollongong: Operation Scandi

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has opened a public inquiry into governance practices at the University of Wollongong (UOW), examining allegations concerning recruitment processes, consultancy contracts, and conflicts of interest involving senior staff.

The inquiry is investigating events dating back to 2023 and 2024, with a particular focus on former Chancellor Michael Still and former Chief Governance Officer Alyssa White. The public hearing, which commenced in mid-2026, is scheduled to run for three weeks.

Background and Timeline

The ICAC inquiry follows a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the university sector, which recommended immediate action at UOW in an interim report.

Key personnel changes during the period under investigation include:

• Alyssa White resigned as Chief Governance Officer on June 21, 2026—the day before the ICAC hearing began.
• Michael Still stood aside as Chancellor pending the inquiry's conclusion and later resigned on July 6, 2026.
• UOW appointed Greg West as acting chancellor, effective immediately following Still's decision to stand aside.
• Sean Brawley served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (strategy and assurance) from 2022 until his role was abolished in October 2024.

Recruitment Process Allegations

Counsel assisting the commissioner, Emma Bathurst, alleged that between 2023 and 2024, former Chief Governance Officer Alyssa White manipulated recruitment processes to benefit her friends and former associates. Evidence is expected to show recruitment processes were subverted at least 10 times to benefit White's associates.

Specific Allegations

Several individuals have been identified in testimony regarding the recruitment process:

• Lucinda Wright: White allegedly helped draft interview questions and a cover letter for Wright, and sat on the interview panel without disclosing their friendship. Wright testified she received interview questions from White, which she considered "helpful prep," and acknowledged there "may have been a risk" she was advantaged.

• Matthew Dawkins: A former electrician with no governance experience, Dawkins allegedly received a job link from White and was advised to hide their acquaintance. Dawkins submitted his application late and failed to complete a pre-interview task. He testified that he concealed his friendship with White after securing the role and acknowledged receiving preferential treatment that gave him a "significant advantage" and undermined the probity of the process.

• Kayla Powell: White allegedly provided interview questions and discussed scheduling with Powell.

• Emma Pinfold: Testified she received interview guidance and early job notification, acknowledging this may have compromised recruitment integrity.

Internal Concerns

Chief People and Culture Officer Alison Bourke testified that she raised concerns about recruitment practices. Her concerns formed part of a serious wrongdoing complaint that led to the ICAC referral.

Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Sean Brawley rejected suggestions that he ignored recruitment concerns. Brawley stated that he relied on advice from the university's people and culture division, which determined not to pursue some recommendations from a 2024 cultural review. The review found that White may have breached university policies and recommended further examination of several appointments.

Proposed Executive Role

The inquiry heard evidence regarding a proposed role titled Vice-President, Strategy and Executive Affairs, intended for Alyssa White. The role would have increased her remuneration from approximately $338,000 to more than $388,000 per year.

Alison Bourke testified that Chancellor Michael Still told her "definitely not" when she proposed a competitive recruitment process. Her contemporaneous notes record Mr. Still saying "process prevents the right decision."

Ms. Bourke stated she was "shocked" by the situation and believed a competitive, transparent process was needed to restore trust. She briefed Vice-Chancellor John Dewar, who called the proposal a "very, very bad idea" and stated he had not seen the paper.

Sean Brawley testified he refused to approve a higher salary package for senior manager Stacey Oon, initially approving $200,000, but learned the offer was increased to $225,000 after discussions involving Still. The higher salary was approved by acting vice-president Matthew Wright on the day Brawley says he was dismissed.

Consultancy Contracts

Aspirall Consulting International

The inquiry is examining whether procurement processes were followed regarding work awarded to Aspirall Consulting International, and whether Chancellor Michael Still properly managed conflicts of interest.

Tanya Diesel, whose firm Aspirall won contracts at UOW, testified about her 22-year professional association with Mr. Still from their time at Lendlease. She accepted that Mr. Still's views may have influenced her work through "positive transference" but rejected suggestions of a conflict of interest. Aspirall did not provide a conflict-of-interest declaration.

The firm was paid approximately $49,000 for the first phase of work and $74,450 for the second. Payment came from a $2 million fund for council-approved initiatives, though council had not approved such use.

Evidence presented showed that Still introduced Aspirall Consulting to former vice-chancellor Patricia Davidson and White, suggesting it be awarded work for focus groups.

Still told ICAC he acted in the university's best interests. Commissioner Paul Lakatos noted that Still approved Aspirall's work but not payment.

KordaMentha Engagement

The inquiry is examining the appointment of Professor John Dewar as interim Vice-Chancellor and his existing professional relationship with consulting firm KordaMentha.

Four days after taking the role in 2024, UOW invited KordaMentha to tender for a $300,000 operational review. After engagement, the mandate expanded through the Future University of Wollongong Transformation Program. Total spending on KordaMentha exceeded $3.7 million, including $835,090 from the council discretionary fund.

Governance manager Stacey Oon testified that former Chief Governance Officer Alyssa White asked her to amend timelines to make it appear the tender panel was unaware of Dewar's appointment when it selected KordaMentha. Oon stated this would not work because Dewar's appointment was announced before the panel's decision. Oon agreed to the timeline change request but noted it was factually incorrect.

Witness Testimony

Stacey Oon

Oon testified that White's recruitment decisions were motivated by "altruistic factors" and denied being asked to falsify dates. She described her relationship with White as "toxic" and stated she felt "trapped" in a workplace that became "quite toxic."

Matthew Dawkins

Dawkins admitted concealing his friendship with White after securing the role and acknowledged receiving preferential treatment.

Sean Brawley

Brawley rejected allegations of ignoring recruitment concerns. When it was suggested his actions amounted to "poor leadership," Brawley responded, "I think that's a nonsense."

Tanya Diesel

Diesel testified about her professional association with Michael Still from their time at Lendlease. She rejected suggestions of a conflict of interest regarding Aspirall's contracts at UOW.

Broader Issues

The inquiry is also considering corruption prevention issues and whether university governance systems are adequate to prevent similar occurrences.