Home / Crime and Justice / ICAC Probes Alleged University Job Stacking
ICAC Probes Alleged University Job Stacking
23 Jun
Summary
- Former staff member offered to smuggle documents.
- Alleged plan to stack University of Wollongong with ex-colleagues.
- Inquiry also investigates consulting work and conflicts of interest.
An Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) hearing is investigating alleged improper hiring practices at the University of Wollongong. A former University of Sydney staff member, Alyssa White, is accused of orchestrating a plan to bring former colleagues to her new institution. Evidence presented suggests a former University of Sydney staffer, Brenden Hooke, agreed to "smuggle" non-sensitive documents before transitioning to the University of Wollongong.
The ICAC is examining at least ten instances where White may have facilitated jobs for friends and associates. Hooke admitted to texting about the excitement of working with "¾ of the OG team" after securing a position. He also served on a selection panel with White for another role, which ultimately went to another former Sydney colleague.
Further investigations are underway regarding tens of thousands of dollars in consulting work potentially awarded improperly to Aspirall Consulting. The inquiry will also probe conflicts of interest related to the employment of Professor John Dewar as interim vice chancellor, who was paid $1 million annually, while his business partner's firm, KordaMentha, was also engaged by the university.
The ICAC hearing is scheduled to continue for another three weeks, with more revelations expected regarding the alleged misconduct.
