When CPSU NSW Delegate Lisa Simmons noticed something was wrong, she spoke out. Today, her bravery has seen her employer’s operations scrutinised by a government anti-corruption body.

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is currently investigating allegations of corrupt conduct at the University of Wollongong (UOW) through Operation Scandi. The inquiry focuses on whether senior university officials manipulated recruitment processes, improperly awarded consulting work, and failed to manage conflicts of interest.

According to ICAC, the investigation is examining allegations that:

• Governance recruitment processes were deliberately subverted to benefit associates of senior staff.
• Consulting contracts, including work awarded to Aspirall Consulting International, may have been improperly influenced or awarded.
• Conflicts of interest relating to the appointment of interim Vice-Chancellor John Dewar and the engagement of consulting firm KordaMentha were not properly managed.
  

The investigation originated from concerns raised by Ms Simmons, a long-serving UOW employee. Since then, she has been granted whistle-blower protection after reporting suspected corrupt conduct.

Those allegations were also scrutinised in the NSW parliamentary inquiry into university governance. The final report with findings and recommendations has been handed down.

The whistle-blower’s significance lies not in proving the allegations herself, but in bringing information to regulators that led to formal investigations. ICAC subsequently conducted its own inquiries, gathered evidence, seized materials, examined witnesses, and launched a public hearing.

The ABC reported that concerns surrounding a proposed senior executive position paying about $400,000 a year became one of the issues that exposed wider governance and conflict-of-interest questions within the university.

The case has become one of the most significant governance investigations involving an Australian university in recent years because it goes beyond isolated allegations and examines whether senior leadership structures were used to favour particular individuals or firms. The inquiry has already led to major repercussions, including Chancellor Michael Still standing aside while the investigation proceeds.

In September, a major delegation of Illawarra unions, including the CPSU NSW, met with the UOW’s top leadership and told them the university’s governing body, the council, needs to resign in the wake of the ICAC hearings.

The message was directed towards UOW’s acting Chancellor Greg West and Vice-Chancellor Professor Max Lu.

It is important to note that ICAC’s inquiry is ongoing. The allegations remain allegations until ICAC issues its findings, and the Commission has not yet made final corruption findings against the individuals involved.