QTAC boss Dr John Griffiths quits, effective immediately, weeks after uni offer debacle

The head of the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre has suddenly quit just weeks after the state’s major university offer round descended into chaos, impacting thousands of students.

QTAC boss Dr John Griffiths has quit, effective immediately. Picture: Richard Walker

The head of the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre has quit, weeks after the January university offer round was repeatedly delayed and descended into chaos, affecting thousands of students.

In a statement late on Thursday afternoon, QTAC announced chief executive officer Dr John Griffiths “has decided not to renew his contract … after 13 successful years in the role”.

Outgoing QTAC CEO Dr John Griffiths. Picture: Supplied.

“QTAC thanks Dr Griffiths for his very valuable contribution during his time as CEO and acknowledges his experience and knowledge in the role,” the statement read.

“QTAC wishes Dr Griffiths all the best for the future.”

It is not known exactly when Dr Griffiths decided not to renew his contract, but QTAC confirmed his last day was Thursday.

The statement did not disclose any reasons behind Dr Griffiths’ decision.

The announcement comes after the debacle that was the January tertiary offer round – the latest annual tertiary offer round for Queensland students.

Around 15,000 offers were due to be released on Thursday, January 11.

However, on the afternoon before, QTAC announced a shock four-day delay to the offer release in an email to students and universities, after inquiries by The Courier-Mail.

On the Friday January 12, QTAC released a further statement explaining their decision, blaming the delay on a complex new application processing system and tight time frames.