Ex-university chancellor fronts ICAC days after handing in resignation

Michael Still denies pushing for UOW executive role as ICAC probe continues Mon 6 Jul 2026 at 5:18pm in short: Michael Still resigned as chancellor of Wollongong University (UOW) late last week, in the middle of an inquiry by the state's corruption watchdog. Today he rejected suggestions he failed to manage conflicts of interest at UOW, despite regularly updating Alyssa White on concerns about a proposed $388,000 executive role. What's next: Mr Still will continue to give evidence tomorrow. Former University of Wollongong (UOW) chancellor Michael Still has fronted the state's corruption watchdog just days after resigning his post. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is examining allegations of favouritism, conflicts of interest and failures in governance oversight at the university. On Friday, Mr Still resigned from UOW, saying he did not want his involvement in the inquiry to negatively impact the institution. Today, Mr Still was questioned about plans for a proposed vice-president strategy and executive affairs role, which were being developed in early 2025 as UOW grappled with significant organisational change and workforce pressures. Mr Still said the proposal evolved from an earlier plan to expand former chief governance officer Alyssa White's responsibilities, and carried a remuneration package of about $388,000. The inquiry heard Ms White herself helped develop structures for a new Vice-Chancellor's Office, draft position descriptions, and prepare papers supporting the proposal. Driven by the incoming VC Mr Still agreed he knew Ms White wanted the role, but repeatedly maintained the proposal originated with incoming vice-chancellor Max Lu. Counsel Assisting Emma Bathurst asked whether it was Professor Lu who wanted Ms White appointed. "That must be true because otherwise it wouldn't have been put forward in the way it was," Mr Still said. "This was all done at the behest of Professor Lu,"he said. The inquiry heard UOW People and Culture executive Alison Bourke and general counsel Rebecca Lim raised concerns about the plan, including whether the position should be advertised. Ms Bourke also advised the proposal could not proceed until June because of industrial risks. Mr Still accepted he wanted to know whether there was "a way around" waiting until then, but maintained he was seeking to progress Professor Lu's preferred structure rather than secure the role for Ms White. Still denies conflict Mr Still said it did not cross his mind that having Ms White develop structures and papers for a position she hoped to occupy placed her in a position of conflict. He said Ms White was carrying out work requested by the incoming vice-chancellor rather than acting as the decision-maker Mr Still also denied suggestions he wanted Ms White to obtain the role, and had sought to influence senior university figures to achieve that outcome. The inquiry heard Mr Still regularly updated Ms White on discussions taking place behind the scenes as concerns about the proposal emerged. Text messages showed Mr Still describing the situation as "a little silly" after he was told Ms Bourke wanted to discuss concerns directly with him. Mr Still said he was referring to the way the issue had been raised, not the conflict concern itself. He also disputed aspects of Alison Bourke's contemporaneous notes of meetings about the proposed role, rejecting suggestions they showed he was advocating for Ms White to obtain the role. Earlier, the inquiry examined Mr Still's involvement in salary discussions concerning governance executive Stacey Oon. The inquiry heard Dr Oon was initially offered a remuneration package of $200,000 after being selected for a governance role. Emails and text messages showed Ms White lobbying for a higher salary and seeking Mr Still's assistance. Mr Still rejected suggestions he had improperly intervened in salary negotiations, describing his involvement as providing "input" and maintaining he had not overstepped his role as chancellor. 'Engaged' chancellor Mr Still told the inquiry he arrived at a university facing serious financial and cultural challenges and described himself as an "engaged" rather than a "hands-on" chancellor who wanted council to have greater visibility of day-to-day operations. The inquiry heard he was a strong supporter of Ms White, describing her as hardworking, intelligent and trusted, and backing her during a 2024 cultural review. Asked about complaints regarding her management style, he described her as "softly professional". Mr Still will continue giving evidence tomorrow. [Image text:] 105050 06 July2026 ICAC SOUTHWALEI Michael Still witness Paul Lakatos SC Commissioner Michael Still witness Emma Bathurst CounselAssisting