ICAC public inquiry into allegations concerning former UNE chancellor
Monday 7 July 2014
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will hold a public inquiry commencing on Monday 21 July 2014 as part of an investigation it is conducting into allegations concerning John Cassidy, the former chancellor of the University of New England (UNE).
It is alleged that Mr Cassidy provided confidential and/or sensitive information, that he acquired in the course of his official functions as chancellor in connection with the sale of the Services UNE Limited-owned Tattersalls Hotel, to his business associate, Darrell Hendry, or otherwise made use of the information, for the benefit of himself and Mr Hendry.
The Commission is also investigating whether Mr Cassidy failed to disclose to the UNE Council or any of its committees, as soon as the facts became known to him sometime in November 2005, that Mr Hendry, a fellow director and shareholder of Vercot Pty Ltd, was proposing to lodge a tender for the Tattersalls Hotel and/or had lodged a tender for the hotel. It is alleged that Mr Cassidy also did not disclose as soon as possible after the relevant facts became known to him, at a time before 5 February 2006 that he, or any entities associated with him, intended to acquire an interest in the Tattersalls Hotel with Mr Hendry or any entities associated with Mr Hendry.
It is also alleged that Mr Cassidy misled the chair of the UNE Council's Audit and Compliance Committee by letter dated 5 February 2006 in which he stated, among other things, that on learning Mr Hendry submitted a tender to purchase the hotel, he advised Services UNE Limited's solicitors of a potential conflict of interest as Mr Hendry was well known to him.
The Commission is also investigating the circumstances surrounding a decision by Mr Cassidy to chair the meeting of the Audit and Compliance Committee held on 10 February 2006, at which his letter of 5 February 2006 was tabled.
The public inquiry will start at 11:00 am and will be held in the Commission's hearing room at Level 7, 133 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.
ICAC Commissioner the Hon Megan Latham will preside at the public inquiry, and Counsel Assisting the Commission will be Ms Anna Mitchelmore.
The inquiry is set down for five days.
Media contact: ICAC Manager Communications & Media, Nicole Thomas, 02 8281 5799 / 0417 467 801