University of Wollongong chancellor stands aside amid ICAC inquiry

Michael Still has stood aside pending the outcome of an ICAC public inquiry. (Supplied: NSW Parliament)

The University of Wollongong says Chancellor Michael Still has stood aside pending an ICAC public inquiry into allegations involving recruitment, consultancy contracts and conflicts of interest at the university.

ICAC will conduct a three-week probe into senior staff, including the chancellor, following a NSW parliamentary inquiry that recommended immediate action on governance issues.

The University of Wollongong says its chancellor, Michael Still, has stood aside from his position, pending the conclusion of an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) public inquiry into allegations concerning the university.

ICAC on Tuesday announced it would hold a three-week probe into the university, examining allegations involving senior staff, including the chancellor.

In a statement this afternoon, the University of Wollongong (UOW) said its council respected Mr Still's decision, which he had "made with the best interests of the university's staff, students and broader community in mind".

The corruption watchdog said it would focus on three main areas, including whether the university's chief governance officer and secretary, Alyssa White, or any other staff subverted recruitment processes for governance roles.

It would also examine whether, since 2024, Mr Still, Ms White, or any other staff improperly awarded or influenced the awarding of work to consultancy firm Aspirall Consulting International.

Additionally, it would consider whether Mr Still, or any other university staff or contractor, failed to properly manage conflicts of interest relating to the employment of John Dewar as interim vice-chancellor and the engagement of consultancy firm KordaMentha.

ICAC announced the public inquiry a month after a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the university sector recommended immediate action at the university in an interim report.

Late last night, Lisa Simmons, who worked at the university for 24 years and is an alumni, launched an online petition calling for Mr Still to stand aside.

In it she said "UOW is bigger than any individual or administration. The value of every qualification it issues, and the integrity of its research both past and present, depend on confidence in the institution behind them".

In the petition she warned that governance confidence was under pressure from multiple fronts including the upcoming ICAC public inquiry, findings from a NSW parliamentary inquiry into financial deficits, and concerns about staff morale and wellbei