A company owned by the family of former University boss Peter Rathjen has been liquidated
Just days before he quit the top post at the University of Adelaide, a company part-owned by Professor Peter Rathjen was placed in liquidation.
SA Business
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A 53-year-old family company partly owned by former University of Adelaide vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen was placed in liquidation on Friday.
Jerilderie Pty, which has real estate worth an estimated $3.6 million registered in its name, was placed under the management of liquidator Nicholas Orfanos on Friday.
Mr Orfanos said there were no financial difficulties associated with the matter, which was simply a change of ownership structure.
The company, which is owned by six members of the Rathjen family, owns 11 real estate titles at Forreston, Birdwood, and Palmer, with two of the lots on Rathjen Rd, Forreston.
Christopher Rathjen is the sole director and major shareholder, with Peter Rathjen and other family members each owning about a fifth of the number held by Christopher.
Mr Orfanos said his role was simply to unwind the corporate structure, after which there would be a distribution of the assets in proportion to each person’s shareholding.
“It’s purely a members’ voluntary liquidation,’' Mr Orfanos said.
“Peter is a minor shareholder. The process was set in motion months ago.’’
Professor Peter Rathjen resigned as vice chancellor on Monday, citing ill health.
“It is with sadness that I have tendered my resignation to the university due to ill-health,” Professor Rathjen said.
“However, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the university for the privilege of serving it and the people of South Australia.”
He said he wished the university well, especially as it “navigates the challenging times ahead”.
On May 7, the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, Bruce Lander, announced he was conducting an inquiry into “allegations of improper conduct” by Professor Rathjen — a day after the university announced Prof Rathjen had taken indefinite leave.
Mr Lander said the fact he was investigating “must not be construed as a finding that any person has engaged in impropriety”.
He added that he was investigating “potential issues of serious or systemic misconduct and maladministration, not corruption”.
ICAC SA today said it had no further comment on the inquiry.
Mr Lander is due to complete his term of office in August.
Professor Mike Brooks has been the university’s acting vice-chancellor since Professor Rathjen went on leave.
According to ASIC records, Professor Rathjen is also currently a director of the Australian Institute of Policy and Science, The Don Dunstan Foundation and national university body The Group of Eight.
Christopher Rathjen could not be contacted.
Peter Rathjen has been contacted for comment.