2026-05-04
The ACT Greens are extremely concerned about the findings of the ‘Inquiry into the CIT CEO recruitment process’ report tabled today which point to deep, systemic failures in higher education governance.
The report recommends that 'take all steps possible to obtain and consider the findings of misconduct made against Dr McNeill by TAFE NSW with a view to considering whether Dr McNeill remains suitable to perform her role as CEO'.
The Committee further found that Dr McNeill 'should have disclosed the information about the misconduct investigation or findings to the CIT Board in a timely manner and that she did not, and that she actively misled the CIT Board by denying that there was a finding of misconduct that had been made against her'.
“Given the seriousness of the Committee’s findings, it’s in the public interest for the CEO of CIT to resign,” said ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay.
“Findings and evidence in the report explain why.
“If she does not resign, the CIT Board should consider whether Dr McNeill remains a fit and proper person to be CEO for CIT and if so, the Board should be transparent with the Minister and community about how any decision is in the public interest.
“But this situation is not just about one person – it highlights structural problems in how our higher education institutions are governed. We need to fix the system that allowed this to occur in the first place.”
The Committee also found that governance arrangements of the CIT Board are not fit for purpose.
"Across the sector and Canberra, we have seen the boards and councils of higher education and training fail to demonstrate accountability and good outcomes to their students, staff, and the wider community. We need better systems that meet the needs and expectations of the people at the heart of our institutions.”
Today’s report follows the saga of the last CEO of CIT, Ms Leanne Cover, who resigned after findings of serious corrupt conduct by the Integrity Commission. Ms Cover resigned after receiving two years of paid leave. Her payouts and paid leave were in excess of $1 million.