ICAC Launches Public Inquiry into University of Wollongong
Operation Scandi will examine allegations of improper recruitment, conflicts of interest, and governance failures at UOW over a three-week period.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has opened a public inquiry into the University of Wollongong (UOW), examining allegations of improper recruitment practices, conflicts of interest, and governance failures. The inquiry, named Operation Scandi, is scheduled to run for three weeks.
Key Personnel and Actions
- Michael Still (UOW Chancellor): Has stood aside from his position pending the conclusion of the ICAC inquiry. UOW has appointed Greg West as acting chancellor.
- Alyssa White (Former Chief Governance Officer): Resigned on June 21, 2026, the day before the hearing began.
- John Dewar (Former Interim Vice-Chancellor): His appointment and its relationship with consulting firm KordaMentha is under investigation.
- Sean Brawley (Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor): Testified at the inquiry and rejected suggestions that he ignored concerns about recruitment.
Scope of Inquiry
ICAC is focusing on three main areas of alleged misconduct:
1. Recruitment Practices
Counsel assisting the commissioner, Emma Bathurst, alleged that between 2023 and 2024, Alyssa White manipulated recruitment processes to benefit her associates.
Allegations include that she:
- Created positions with specific candidates in mind
- Provided preferential assistance with application materials and interview questions
- Failed to declare personal relationships while serving on selection panels
Examples presented to the inquiry:
- Lucinda Wright: White allegedly helped draft interview questions and a cover letter. Wright later testified she received the questions, which she considered "helpful prep."
- Matthew Dawkins: An acquaintance of White with no governance experience who was hired. The inquiry heard White sent him a job link, advised him to hide their acquaintance, and that Dawkins submitted his application late and failed to complete a pre-interview task. Dawkins agreed he received a "significant advantage."
- Kayla Powell: White allegedly provided interview questions and discussed scheduling.
- Emma Pinfold: Testified she received interview guidance and early job notification.
It has been alleged that these processes were subverted at least 10 times.
2. Consultancy Contracts
The inquiry is examining whether Chancellor Michael Still, Alyssa White, or other staff improperly awarded or influenced the awarding of work to consultancy firm Aspirall Consulting International.
Consultant Tanya Diesel, whose firm Aspirall won contracts at UOW, testified about her 22-year professional association with Mr. Still. Aspirall did not provide a conflict-of-interest declaration. The firm was paid approximately $49,000 for a first phase of work and $74,450 for a second phase.
3. Conflicts of Interest (KordaMentha)
The inquiry is investigating the engagement of consulting firm KordaMentha after the appointment of Professor John Dewar as interim vice-chancellor.
Professor Dewar had a pre-existing professional relationship with KordaMentha. Four days after he took the role in 2024, UOW invited KordaMentha to tender for a $300,000 operational review. The total spending on KordaMentha later exceeded $3.7 million, including $835,090 from the council discretionary fund.
Testimony and Evidence
Allegations of Timeline Manipulation
Governance manager Stacey Oon testified that Alyssa White asked her to amend timelines to make it appear the tender panel was unaware of John Dewar's appointment when it selected KordaMentha. Oon stated this was not possible because Dewar's appointment had been announced publicly. Oon described the workplace as "quite toxic."
Opposition to Competitive Recruitment
Chief People and Culture Officer Alison Bourke testified that Chancellor Michael Still opposed a competitive recruitment process for a proposed vice-president role intended for Alyssa White.
The role would have increased White's salary to over $388,000. Bourke stated Still told her "definitely not" and her notes record him saying "process prevents the right decision." Bourke said she was "shocked" and briefed Vice-Chancellor John Dewar, who called the proposal a "very, very bad idea."
Response to Concerns
Sean Brawley, former deputy vice-chancellor, testified that he rejected claims of ignoring recruitment concerns. A 2024 cultural review raised concerns about conflicts of interest, but Brawley stated he relied on advice from the university's people and culture division, which determined not to pursue some recommendations.
Disputed Salary Increase
Brawley testified he approved a $200,000 salary for manager Stacey Oon, but learned the offer was later increased to $225,000 after discussions involving Chancellor Still. The higher salary was approved by acting vice-president Matthew Wright on the day Brawley says he was dismissed.
Broader Issues and Context
The inquiry will consider corruption prevention issues and whether university governance systems are adequate to prevent similar occurrences.
The ICAC public inquiry was announced a month after a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the university sector recommended immediate action at the university in an interim report. Additionally, a petition calling for Chancellor Still to stand aside was launched by a former employee.
The hearing continues.