University chancellor stands aside as ICAC inquiry looms

Michael Still has stood aside from his role as chancellor of the University of Wollongong pending the outcome of an anti-corruption investigation.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption announced on Tuesday that it was investigating Still, along with other staff at the University of Wollongong, and whether they partially and/or dishonestly exercised their official functions.

In a statement, the university said it respected Still’s decision, “which he has made with the best interests of the university’s staff, students and broader community in mind”.

The university council has appointed Greg West as acting chancellor, effective immediately.

“The university understands the public interest in this matter, but it will not be making any comment about the investigation while the hearings are under way,” UoW said in a statement. “Our focus remains firmly on our students, our staff and the teaching and research that are at the core of our purpose.”

In an email to staff on Friday afternoon, vice chancellor Max Lu said the university had been going through a “demanding period”.

He said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to the many colleagues who have taken the time to write to me in recent days. Your messages of support, encouragement and kindness have been greatly appreciated during a challenging period, and they are a powerful reminder of the strength and values of our university community.”

He said the university would set up a FAQ page on its intranet and he told staff to refer press inquiries to the media unit. “Together we will get through this difficult period to emerge stronger,” he said.

The ICAC on Tuesday said it would hold a public inquiry from June 22 as part of Operation Scandi, its investigation into the university.

The commission said it was investigating whether chief governance officer and secretary Alyssa White, or any other staff, had partially exercised their official functions by intentionally subverting recruitment processes for governance roles, to benefit persons associated with White.

The ICAC is also looking into whether, since 2024, Still, White, or other staff or contractors, had partially and/or dishonestly exercised their official functions by improperly awarding or influencing the award of work to Aspirall Consulting International Pty Ltd.

“Finally, the commission will investigate whether Still or other staff or contractors partially exercised their official functions by failing to manage the conflict of interest relating to the employment of John Dewar as interim vice chancellor and the engagement of KordaMentha Pty Ltd,” the ICAC said.

Commissioner Paul Lakatos, SC, will preside at the public inquiry.

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