Australian University Embroiled in Corruption Scandal Over Vice-Chancellor Job

KordaMentha Partner Courted for Vice-Chancellor Job Amid Conflict

of Interest

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KordaMentha partner John Dewar was courted for a $1m a year job as the University of Wollongong's interim vice-chancellor, while Chancellor Michael Still told him it was 'very likely' that his consulting firm would win work at the university. The Independent Commission Against Corruption is mid-way through a public hearing investigating the university, including its appointment of Dewar and whether the conflict of interest between his appointment and KordaMentha's bid was adequately managed.

Allegations of Conflict of Interest

John Dewar, a member of the Order of Australia, was in talks to take on the interim vice-chancellor role at the University of Wollongong in May 2024. Chancellor Michael Still, who introduced Dewar to the role, allegedly told him that KordaMentha was 'very likely' to win a consultancy contract with the university.

Dewar's suitability for the role was flagged by the University of NSW chancellor David Gonski. Still had also made the introduction to Dewar.

Investigation into Alyssa White and Aspirall

The ICAC is also investigating whether former head of governance Alyssa White helped friends and associates get jobs at the university on at least 10 occasions. White allegedly told head of people and culture Alison Bourke that a $389,000 gig in the vice-chancellor's office would be 'mine'.

Bourke said she was shocked at White's certainty given the absence of a competitive process and legal risks, and claimed she told White that the 'optics' of such a well-paid job in the context of the university's financial woes must be considered.

$169 million Debt to Developer

The university was facing a legion of problems, including poor financials, disengaged staff, and a $169 million debt to a developer over a housing agreement derailed by the pandemic. Dewar had wanted KordaMentha to be given the work 'diagnosing' the university's woes without a procurement process, but Still raised probity concerns.

It would need to be a 'proper procurement process', another email from Still tendered to the ICAC said.

Aspirall Contracts Awarded Without Competitive Process

The investigation has heard that an electrician and school friend of White's was given a job in governance despite having no expertise, failing to complete a pre-interview task and submitting his application late.

On another occasion, a former marketing manager married to a friend of White's was told 'you will definitely be employed!!'

'At one stage I thought I was being punked,' head of people and culture Alison Bourke said.

Timeline

The hearing is ongoing. The ICAC will continue to investigate and reveal further information. The outcome of the investigation and any potential consequences for Dewar, White, or Still remain to be seen.