ICAC told of request to alter university contract timelines (opens original article in a new tab)

The NSW corruption watchdog is investigating claims that a University of Wollongong governance manager was asked to alter contract timelines to hide a conflict of interest involving a senior staffer and a $3.7 million consultancy contract. The inquiry heard that a former interim vice-chancellor was a partner in the consulting firm that won the contract, and that procurement processes may have been manipulated to favor the firm. The manager admitted to having no procurement experience and acknowledged a preference for engaging the consulting firm.

• NSW corruption watchdog heard of request to alter university contract timelines to obscure conflict of interest
• UOW governance manager acknowledged no procurement experience and drafted papers for limited pool of consultants
• Former interim vice-chancellor was partner in consulting firm that won $3.7 million contract after tender process