'You did not lead by example': ICAC Commissioner challenges former UOW Chancellor
Still defended his conduct as ICAC questioned his leadership and the KordaMentha procurement.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption Commissioner has challenged former University of Wollongong Chancellor Michael Still over his judgment, transparency and handling of conflicts of interest, questioning whether he failed to lead by example during a series of decisions now under scrutiny.
Commissioner Lakatos reminded Mr Still that, as Chancellor, he was expected to lead by example before putting to him that, in relation to the proposed executive role for Ms White, “it seems that you did not lead by example”.
Mr Still replied: “In hindsight, I could have done better,” while maintaining he believed he had acted transparently and appropriately.
Counsel Assisting Emma Bathurst concluded her two-day examination of Mr Still by alleging he exercised close control over the procurement that awarded KordaMentha the university’s enterprise-wide review.
The review has become a central focus of the inquiry because KordaMentha secured the contract shortly after Professor John Dewar, then a partner at the firm, was appointed interim vice-chancellor, raising questions about the procurement process and conflict management arrangements.
Ms Bathurst suggested Mr Still worked almost exclusively through Ms White, when identifying potential providers, drafting the request for proposal and determining which firms would be invited to tender.
She alleged the limited field of tenderers was chosen because it made it “very likely” KordaMentha would win the contract, relying in part on an email in which Professor Dewar recorded Mr Still making that assessment.
Mr Still rejected the allegations, insisting the firms were selected because they had the appropriate experience and denying the procurement process was designed to favour KordaMentha.
The allegation drew an objection from Alyssa White’s Counsel, Peter O’Brien, who argued there was insufficient evidence to accuse his client of working with Mr Still to engineer a tender process favouring KordaMentha.
Commissioner Paul Lakatos overruled the objection, finding there was a basis to put the allegation.
The day concluded with questioning from Mr O’Brien, who sought to cast Mr Still as an “engaged” rather than an “executive” chancellor.
Mr Still also stressed he had no financial motivation for becoming heavily involved in the university’s affairs, telling the inquiry he served as chancellor without remuneration.
Asked whether he received “a brass razoo” as Chancellor, he replied: “No,” agreeing everything he did was undertaken on a voluntary basis.
The inquiry will continue on Wednesday, with Mr Still set to begin his third day of evidence.
ICAC has made no findings in Operation Scandi. All named individuals are the subject of allegations at a public inquiry.
