The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has announced a formal investigation into allegations of corrupt conduct involving senior officials and staff at the University of Wollongong (UOW), marking a significant escalation in ongoing scrutiny of the institution’s governance and decision-making processes. The investigation, known as Operation Scandi, will include a public inquiry scheduled to begin on 22 June 2026. According to ICAC, the inquiry will examine allegations concerning UOW Chief Governance Officer and Secretary Alyssa White, Chancellor Michael Still, and other university staff.
The commission has indicated that the investigation relates to governance practices and the conduct of university officials, although it has not yet made findings against any individual. The inquiry is intended to determine whether corrupt conduct occurred and whether any systemic governance failures contributed to the alleged issues. The investigation follows months of controversy surrounding the university’s leadership, financial management, restructuring programs, and use of external consultants.
Concerns have also been raised through a NSW parliamentary inquiry examining governance and accountability across the state’s university sector. During those proceedings, whistleblowers and former staff alleged that decision-making processes at UOW had become increasingly centralized and lacked sufficient transparency. Evidence presented to parliamentary hearings included claims of conflicts of interest involving senior executives, concerns about major restructuring decisions, and questions regarding the university’s relationship with consultancy firms involved in operational reviews and workforce reductions.
University officials have consistently denied wrongdoing and maintained that decisions were made through established governance and oversight processes. The University of Wollongong has been under growing public scrutiny since 2025, when reports emerged of ICAC officers attending the campus as part of preliminary inquiries. Subsequent reporting highlighted allegations relating to governance failures, management practices, and oversight of major institutional decisions.
While these allegations prompted investigations and parliamentary examination, no findings of corruption have been made at this stage. ICAC’s decision to conduct public hearings reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the public interest surrounding one of Australia’s largest regional universities. Public inquiries allow the commission to hear evidence from witnesses, review documents, and examine institutional processes in an open forum.
The commission possesses broad investigative powers and can compel witnesses to provide evidence and produce records relevant to its inquiries. The outcome of Operation Scandi could have significant implications for governance standards within the higher education sector. Universities across Australia have faced increasing scrutiny regarding accountability, financial management, executive decision-making, and transparency in recent years.
The findings from the inquiry may influence future governance reforms and oversight measures within public universities. ICAC emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that all individuals involved are entitled to the presumption of innocence. The public hearings beginning later this month are expected to provide greater insight into the allegations and the commission’s examination of governance practices at the University of Wollongong.
