University of Wollongong (UOW) chancellor Michael Still has stood aside pending an investigation by the New South Wales (NSW) corruption watchdog.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating Still, along with chief governance officer Alyssa White and other UOW staff and contractors, over the awarding of contracts to two consultancies.
The agency is also investigating whether Still or any other UOW figures failed to manage the “conflict of interest” in the recruitment of academic administrator John Dewar as interim vice-chancellor at Wollongong. Dewar is a partner with consultants KordaMentha, which – following his appointment – received a A$2.9 million (£1.5 million) contract to advise on a Wollongong restructure.
UOW’s council said it respected Still’s decision, which had been made in the interests of the university community. Council member Greg West has been appointed acting chancellor.
In December, Still told a NSW parliamentary committee that there had been “no conflict” in the engagement of KordaMentha, because Dewar had “stepped back from any employment” there.
