UOW Chancellor Michael Still resigns amid ICAC Operation Scandi inquiry
Greg West continues as Acting Chancellor
University of Wollongong Chancellor Michael Still has resigned effective immediately, as the ICAC’s public inquiry into governance and procurement practices at the institution continues.
Mr Still, whose term was due to run until 2027, did not want his involvement in the NSW ICAC matter - Operation Scandi - to affect the University or distract from its daily operations.
“In order to best serve the interests of the University, its staff and students, and to ensure that leadership renewal can occur without interruption, I have decided that I should resign from council effective immediately so that the next Chancellor can be sought,” he said in a statement.
Mr Still had earlier stepped aside from his role on June 5 after the ICAC inquiry was announced. He is expected to be the inquiry’s next witness.
Council said it respected the decision, made “with the best interests of the University’s staff, students and the broader University community in mind,” and thanked Mr Still for his contribution, including his role in appointing Professor Max Lu AO as Vice-Chancellor and President.
Greg West continues as Acting Chancellor while Council begins the process of appointing a permanent successor.
ICAC inquiry background
Mr Still stood aside as Chancellor before Operation Scandi's public hearings opened on June 22, just days after chief governance officer and secretary Alyssa White resigned from the university.
The ICAC inquiry, presided over by Commissioner Paul Lakatos SC with Emma Bathurst as Counsel Assisting, is examining allegations relating to subverted recruitment processes, the awarding of work to Aspirall Consulting International, and the management of conflicts of interest surrounding the appointment of Professor John Dewar as interim Vice-Chancellor and the engagement of KordaMentha.
ICAC has made no findings in Operation Scandi. All named individuals are subject to allegations at a public inquiry.