University of Wollongong Chancellor Steps Down Amid Corruption Investigation
Wollongong, Australia – June 7, 2026 – University of Wollongong (UOW) Chancellor Michael Still has stepped down from his position pending the conclusion of a public inquiry by the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The investigation, dubbed Operation Scandi, centers on allegations of corrupt conduct within the university, including the awarding of contracts to consultancy firms and the handling of recruitment processes for governance roles.
Mr. Still is being investigated alongside UOW's Chief Governance Officer and Secretary, Alyssa White, as well as other university staff and contractors. The ICAC is examining whether official functions were improperly exercised, particularly concerning potential conflicts of interest in the recruitment of John Dewar as interim Vice-Chancellor and the subsequent engagement of KordaMentha Pty Ltd, a consultancy firm where Dewar is a partner. Questions have also been raised about the awarding of work to Aspirall Consulting International Pty Ltd and significant shifts in the disclosed value of contracts with another consultancy, Nous.
The inquiry, which is set to begin its public hearings on June 22, 2026, will also investigate whether recruitment processes were intentionally subverted to benefit individuals associated with Ms. White. Concerns regarding the university's consultancy spending, which reportedly rose to A$14 million in 2023, have been a long-standing criticism from unions.
The University of Wollongong Council has expressed respect for Mr. Still's decision to stand aside, stating it was made in the best interests of the university community. Council member Greg West has been appointed as Acting Chancellor. The university has stated it is cooperating fully with the ICAC investigation and will refrain from making further comments while the hearings are underway, emphasizing its commitment to its students, staff, and core mission of teaching and research.
This development follows broader scrutiny of governance within Australian universities, with previous parliamentary inquiries highlighting concerns about transparency and the influence of consultants in strategic decision-making and senior appointments.
Mr. Still is being investigated alongside UOW's Chief Governance Officer and Secretary, Alyssa White, as well as other university staff and contractors. The ICAC is examining whether official functions were improperly exercised, particularly concerning potential conflicts of interest in the recruitment of John Dewar as interim Vice-Chancellor and the subsequent engagement of KordaMentha Pty Ltd, a consultancy firm where Dewar is a partner. Questions have also been raised about the awarding of work to Aspirall Consulting International Pty Ltd and significant shifts in the disclosed value of contracts with another consultancy, Nous.
The inquiry, which is set to begin its public hearings on June 22, 2026, will also investigate whether recruitment processes were intentionally subverted to benefit individuals associated with Ms. White. Concerns regarding the university's consultancy spending, which reportedly rose to A$14 million in 2023, have been a long-standing criticism from unions.
The University of Wollongong Council has expressed respect for Mr. Still's decision to stand aside, stating it was made in the best interests of the university community. Council member Greg West has been appointed as Acting Chancellor. The university has stated it is cooperating fully with the ICAC investigation and will refrain from making further comments while the hearings are underway, emphasizing its commitment to its students, staff, and core mission of teaching and research.
This development follows broader scrutiny of governance within Australian universities, with previous parliamentary inquiries highlighting concerns about transparency and the influence of consultants in strategic decision-making and senior appointments.
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