NSW corruption watchdog begins university governance probe

ICAC is examining allegations of favouritism, procurement irregularities and governance failures at the University of Wollongong. (ABC Illawarra: Penny Burfitt)

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating governance issues at the University of Wollongong.

The watchdog's inquiry began today, and heard allegations recruitment processes were manipulated to favour associates of former governance chief Alyssa White.

Questions about how power was exercised at the University of Wollongong have taken centre stage at the opening of an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry.

The corruption watchdog is examining allegations of favouritism, conflicts of interest and failures in governance oversight.

The ICAC inquiry was today told a senior University of Wollongong (UOW) staff member subverted the institution's recruitment processes to hire friends and former colleagues.

Counsel assisting the commissioner Emma Bathurst used her opening address to explain the investigation of three allegations.

They involved recruitment practices, contracts awarded to Aspirall Consulting International, and the management of conflicts of interest surrounding former interim vice-chancellor John Dewar and consulting firm KordaMentha.

Emma Bathurst during the opening day of ICAC's Operation Scandi inquiry into governance at the University of Wollongong. (ABC News)

It will be alleged that between 2023 and 2024, recruitment processes were manipulated to benefit associates of former chief governance officer Alyssa White.

Ms Bathurst said evidence was expected to show that shortly after taking up her role, Ms White "was the driver of the recruitment of various of her close friends and former associates" into governance positions at UOW.

The inquiry heard those recruits included a number of former colleagues from the University of Sydney, where Ms White had previously worked in governance roles.

Ms Bathurst told the inquiry there was "nothing problematic in and of itself" about recommending former colleagues for employment.

But she said the evidence was expected to show Ms White's conduct "went well beyond that".

The inquiry heard allegations that positions were created with specific candidates in mind, and that some received "preferential assistance" including help with position descriptions, resumes, cover letters and interview preparation.

The University of Wollongong is the subject of an ICAC inquiry examining recruitment practices, consultancy contracts and conflicts of interest. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)

Ms Bathurst said