ICAC releases witness list for first week of UOW inquiry
Former deputy vice-chancellor lined up for Friday
The witness list for the first week of the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s Operation Scandi public inquiry into the University of Wollongong has been unveiled, revealing a line-up heavily focused on university governance insiders.
Starting on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Sydney, the inquiry will examine explosive allegations of cronyism, improper procurement, and serious conflict-of-interest failures.
Commissioner Paul Lakatos SC will preside, with Emma Bathurst appearing as Counsel Assisting. At the centre of the probe are UOW Chancellor Michael Still and chief governance officer Alyssa White.
The Commission will investigate whether White intentionally subverted recruitment processes for governance roles to favour her associates, and whether UOW executives improperly influenced the awarding of work to Aspirall Consulting.
ICAC is also scrutinising Chancellor Still’s management of a conflict of interest involving former Interim Vice-Chancellor John Dewar. Dewar was a partner at KordaMentha while continuing to work with the consultancy’s higher education team one day a fortnight during his tenure - even as UOW engaged the firm for a multi-million dollar workforce restructuring review.
Monday’s proceedings will open with an opening statement by Counsel Assisting Emma Bathurst, followed by the first witness: Lucinda Wright. Academic Senate minutes from February 2024 identify Wright’s as Deputy Secretary to Council, though the same minutes from September 2024 describe her as Deputy University Secretary.
Tuesday’s roster will continue with Wright, followed by Deputy Chief Governance Officer Brenden Hooke, and Associate Director, Governance, Pei Shan Stacy Oon. Oon will return to give further evidence on Wednesday, followed by Matthew Dawkins.
On Thursday, the inquiry will hear from administration officer Emma Pinfold and Kayla Powell. Capping off the week on Friday is Professor Sean Brawley, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategy and Assurance), alongside Alison Bourke, UOW’s Chief People and Culture Officer.
At the time Brawley’s portfolio oversaw university strategy, quality assurance, and TEQSA compliance before his position was disestablished as part of cost-cutting measures, with he departing UOW in October 2024.
This list could change, ICAC warned.
