Chancellor Michael Still has stepped aside until the conclusion of ICAC inquiries. Photo: UOW.
The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) chancellor has stood aside from his position pending the outcome of an inquiry by the corruption watchdog in which his actions at the institution are being investigated.
UOW announced today (5 June) that Chancellor Michael Still would be replaced by a council-appointed acting chancellor effective immediately, pending the conclusion of the public inquiry into the university by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
“The University of Wollongong Council respects Mr Still’s decision (to step aside), which he has made with the best interests of the university’s staff, students and broader community in mind,” a UOW spokesperson said.
“Council has appointed Greg West as Acting Chancellor, effective immediately.
“A current member of the University Council, Mr West is a chartered accountant with extensive financial and governance experience across professional services, investment banking and consulting, including as chief executive of a dual-listed ASX and Nasdaq biotechnology company.
“He has significant experience in the higher education sector, including as Chair of Education Australia Limited, owned by Australia’s universities. His governance background and knowledge of the university will provide steady and experienced leadership during this period.”
The ICAC inquiry, which will start on 22 June, will investigate allegations concerning UOW staff including Mr Still, who came under fire over the appointment of John Dewar as interim vice-chancellor. Mr Dewar is a business partner at KordaMentha, a business consultancy firm later appointed to conduct operational reviews of the university.
“It will investigate whether the university’s chief governance officer and secretary Alyssa White, or any other UOW staff, partially exercised their official functions by intentionally subverting recruitment processes for governance roles, to benefit persons associated with Alyssa White,” ICAC’s inquiry announcement stated.
“It will also examine whether, since 2024, Chancellor Michael Still, Alyssa White, or any other university staff or contractors, 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 Michael Still, or any other staff or contractor, 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.”
While UOW acknowledged the ICAC announcement made on Tuesday (2 June) and said it had been co-operating fully through investigations, no further comment by the institution is expected until after the inquiry concludes.
“The university understands the public interest in this matter, but it will not be making any comment about the investigation while the hearings are underway,” a UOW spokesperson said.
“Our focus remains firmly on our students, our staff and the teaching and research that are at the core of our purpose.”
Original Article published by Keeli Dyson on Region Illawarra.
