ICAC commences review of Batchelor Institute to identify potential improper conduct

Batchelor Institute is under review by the ICAC, which will assess the institute’s practices, policies, and procedures to identify potential misconduct.

THE Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education is under review by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) to identify whether improper conduct has or is at risk of occurring.

A statement from the Batchelor Institute said the review began this week and would lead to better systems and processes in the future.

“Batchelor Institute Chair of Council, Patricia Anderson AO and Batchelor Institute Chief Executive Officer, Mick Gooda, have pledged full co-operation with ICAC throughout the review which will aim to identify whether improper conduct has occurred, is occurring, or is at risk of occurring,” the statement read.

Batchelor Institute chief executive Mick Gooda has pledged to fully cooperate with the ICAC.

“(The review) will also focus on financial management and existing governance systems, including policies and procedures.

“The Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, Michael Riches, advised that this is a review and is not an investigation, and that the purpose of the review is to assess practices, policies, and procedures, not to investigate individual conduct.

“If there is evidence of improper conduct, that will be dealt with separately in accordance with the ICAC Act.

An ICAC spokeswoman said the review was under Section 23 of the ICAC Act.

“At the conclusion of the review a report must be provided to the board, and a general report may be made at the Commissioner’s discretion. If allegations of improper conduct are identified they will be dealt with in accordance with the ICAC Act,” she said.

Section 23 of the ICAC Act says at any time it may audit or review the practices, policies or procedures of a public body or public officer.

In September, the Batchelor Institute appointed Mr Gooda as chief executive, following the resignation of former leader Professor Steve Larkin. This week the Batchelor Institute revealed it reduced its operations deficit to $214,00 compared to $2.7m in 2019.