University's chancellor quits as ICAC inquiry continues

UOW Chancellor Michael Still resigns as ICAC inquiry continues Fri 3 Jul 2026 at 12:03pm In short: University of Wollongong (UOW) Chancellor Michael Still has resigned effective immediately. The move comes as an ICAC inquiry examines governance, recruitment decisions and consultancy engagements. What's next? Day nine of the inquiry is continuing today with former interim Vice Chancellor John Dewar giving evidence. The University of Wollongong (UOW) has announced Chancellor Michael Still has resigned in the midst of an inquiry by the state's corruption watchdog In a statement released by UOW this morning, Mr Still said he did not want his involvement in the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation to negatively impact the university or distract from its operations. "In order to best serve the interests of the University, its staff and students, and to ensure that leadership renewal can occur without interruption, I have decided that I should resign from council effective immediately so that the next Chancellor can be sought," he said. Mr Still was originally scheduled to give evidence at the hearing today, but his name has been removed from today's witness list since it was first published a week ago. In the same statement, the UOW Council said it "respects Mr Still's decision which he has made with the best interests of the University's staff, students and the broader University community in mind". On June 5 Mr Still announced he was standing aside pending the outcome of the inquiry. Over the last nine days the inquiry heard evidence examining his role in a sweeping overhaul of university governance, recruitment processes and consultancy engagements. The inquiry has heard evidence about his involvement in the appointment of interim vice-chancellor John Dewar, consultancy work undertaken by Aspiral and KordaMentha, and efforts to reshape the university's leadership structure. Witnesses have also been questioned about Mr Still's longstanding professional relationship with consultant Tanya Diesel, whose firm was engaged to assist with vice-chancellor recruitment and governance work. The inquiry heard draft consultancy reports were amended following discussions with Mr Still and former chief governance officer Alyssa White, although Ms Diesel rejected suggestions he dictated their content. Senior HR executive Alison Bourke has also given evidence that Mr Still opposed advertising a proposed $400,000 executive role intended for Ms White, and warned that "process prevents the right decision". The inquiry has also examined allegations that recruitment, procurement and conflict-of-interest processes were not always followed and whether governance decisions improperly favoured particular individuals. The inquiry is continuing to hear evidence this morning from Professor Dewar. Greg West continues in the role of Acting Chancellor.