news
Improper
conduct?
Professor Peter Rathjen. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe
University of Adelaide VC under
ICAC investigation.
F
ollowing news that the University
of Adelaide’s vice-chancellor took
sudden and indefinite leave recently,
rumours swelled that it was due to the
university’s finances – something the
university denied – but the Independent
Commissioner Against Corruption
uncharacteristically announced that VC
Peter Rathjen is under investigation over
allegations of improper conduct.
In a recent statement, commissioner
Bruce Lander said he would not usually
campusreview.com.au
confirm or deny the existence of such
an investigation but decided to do so in
this case due to the “intense speculation”
regarding the University of Adelaide
and the likelihood that this speculation
would “continue and potentially lead to
an unnecessary negative impact on the
university’s operations”.
On top of the investigation into the
allegations levelled at Rathjen, Lander was
also investigating the manner in which the
university dealt with those allegations.
“The university has committed to
providing full cooperation with my
investigation,” Lander said.
He did not comment further about the
nature of the allegations but assured that his
investigation centred not on corruption but
on potential issues of serious or systemic
misconduct and maladministration.
In an email about the announcement
of ICAC’s investigation to the university
community, deputy chancellor Catherine
Branson said: “While it is natural for us
to want to know more about what is
happening, we need to remember that this
is a matter for the ICAC.
“As you will know, the law places
restraints on what can be said about
Dr Michael Spence.
Photo: James Croucher
VC wanted
USyd search to replace Spence.
T
he University of Sydney is on the
hunt for a new vice-chancellor,
with advertisements for the position
cropping up in early May.
Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson, who
was recently re-elected for a third term,
said the role is more critical than usual, as
2
the university is navigating the challenges
caused by the spread of COVID-19.
“We will be looking for someone who will
be able to inspire and lead our community
and ensure we sustain and build on our
capacity and reputation for world-leading
teaching and research,” Hutchinson said.
In February, current vice-chancellor and
principal Dr Michael Spence announced
that after 12 years he would step down,
as of December 2020, to take up his
an ICAC investigation. This is why the
university is not able to comment further.”
Branson said the university would
continue to deliver high-quality teaching
and research, and added that she has full
confidence in the leadership of acting
vice-chancellor Professor Mike Brooks and
his senior management team.
In his statement, Lander issued a
reminder that news of the investigation
should not be construed as finding that
any person involved has engaged in
impropriety.
“Given the legislation under which I
operate is geared toward investigations
of these kind being conducted in private,
I am not in a position to offer further
public comment until such time as my
investigation has concluded,” he added.
The news that Rathjen was taking leave
broke the day after chancellor Kevin Scarce
informed the university’s council that he
would bring forward the end of his term,
cutting it six months short.
Speculation about the university’s
leadership disarray narrowed in on the
strain stemming from the coronavirus
pandemic, something the university denied
via a statement. ■
appointment as president and provost of
University College London in 2021.
At the time, the chair of UCL’s council,
Victor Chu, said Spence was widely
regarded as one of the most outstanding
university leaders in the world.
“We were impressed by his unique
achievements and track record,” Chu
said. “Under Dr Spence’s leadership, the
University of Sydney has been transformed
and is regarded as one of the top
universities in the world.”
Following that announcement, the
university’s senate started the recruitment
ball rolling and appointed specialist search
firm Perrett Laver to assist with the process.
The senate also established a Vice-
Chancellor Selection Committee, which
is seeking feedback from the university
community about the qualities of the role
that are most important.
The search comes as debate again surges
over the salaries Australia's vice-chancellors
attract. Spence himself made headlines for
maintaining his $1.5 million salary during
the new coronavirus pandemic.
USyd expects to complete the recruitment
process by the end of the year. ■