Murdoch inquiry: bullying, conflicts of interest

Murdoch University chancellor David Flanagan has revealed further detail regarding the investigations that have led to the suspension and recent resignation of Richard Higgott, the now former VC. Higgott resigned from the university late last month following an investigation by Murdoch, which Flanagan revealed yesterday had been carried out at the request of the WA Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC). A subsequent investigation, by the CCC itself, is ongoing. Murdoch provost professor Ann Capling – whose conduct is also understood to be under examination as part of the CCC investigation – has taken leave from the university. In an interview with ABC radio in Perth on November 13, Flanagan repeatedly warned that lawyers from all sides would be listening. "In broad terms, one of the more serious matters [we referred to the CCC] included evidence of misleading and deceiving the Corruption and Crime Commission," Flanagan said. "We also identified evidence, which formed part of the report to the CCC, of significant conflicts of interest and a lack of proper process around key staff appointments. "We also found evidence of instances involving the destruction of documents under the State Records Act and the Freedom of Information Act – inappropriate stuff at the least. We also found some anomalies in relation to credit card use. "We also found evidence of excessive termination payments to senior staff and we also found and provided to the CCC significant evidence in relation to bullying at the university." Flanagan stressed that in discussing the serious issues the university had uncovered, he was not making any reference to or allegations against any current or former Murdoch University staff members. He said the Murdoch Senate had no choice but to refer its report to the CCC. At this stage, he added, the CCC had made no judgements and nothing had been proven. Flanagan also revealed that in December 2011 the CCC had made a request to the university’s then-chancellor for Murdoch to carry out an internal investigation, and that he himself had received a similar request from the CCC in January this year. He added that he was not aware of what data the CCC initially acted upon in requesting the investigations nor how this information had been procured. Flanagan conceded recent events had been a public relations disaster but said Murdoch remained determined to appoint a VC with a mandate to work towards the university’s strategy, which he said was focused on pursuing and delivering outstanding research, teaching and learning. The chancellor said in light of public interest, he had gained consent from the CCC to find some "middle ground" on which he could discuss the matters whilst protecting the rights of all involved.