Dr. Stacy Oon testified that she drafted a pre-interview task at the request of Alyssa White, who encouraged her to apply for a $200,000 associate director of governance role, raising concerns about conflict of interest and integrity in recruitment.

Evidence shows ongoing scrutiny of how funds were allocated, including use of the council’s discretionary fund for high-cost consultancy engagements and questions about proper tendering.

The inquiry alleges that, despite a secondary employment letter, Dewar and KordaMentha staff helped prepare proposals and responses to bids for university consulting services.

ICAC is investigating the University of Wollongong for alleged recruitment improprieties and potential favoritism affecting multiple hires connected to Alyssa White.

The inquiry is examining corrupt conduct, breaches of public trust, and university policies involving former chancellor Michael Still, interim vice-chancellor John Dewar, and staff member Alyssa White.

NSW ICAC is probing recruitment processes at UOW amid allegations that Alyssa White may have improperly influenced hires to benefit associates from the University of Sydney on multiple occasions.

Oon described a culture of desperation within Wollongong’s governance team, due to staffing constraints that may have motivated improper recruitment actions.

Text messages show perceived bias, with Oon acknowledging the panel’s optics were problematic and the recruitment process was not fair or transparent.

The close, ongoing relationship between Oon and White, including frequent communications, is central to the allegations and may have influenced hiring and resource allocation.

Oon cited workload pressures and staffing shortages in governance as contributing to a sense of desperation that may have driven inappropriate conduct.

Timeline notes Patricia Davidson’s 2024 resignation, the formation of a recruitment working group chaired by Alyssa White, and Still’s involvement in approving engagements outside standard budgeting.

Evidence suggests Aspirall’s focus group and council workshop costs rose, with chancellor approvals reportedly made without declaring Diesel’s relationship with Still.