The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has decided, in the public interest, to independently examine issues associated with the forced offer for entry into the University of Queensland’s 2011 medical program (MBBS).
Acting Chairperson Warren Strange says the move will involve the CMC taking action on three fronts, by:
- Reviewing the University of Queensland’s handling of a complaint concerning improper enrolment, first referred to the CMC by the University of Queensland’s Chancellor on 4 October 2011. This will focus on broader aspects surrounding the University’s handling of and response to allegations concerning the Vice Chancellor and Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, including the University’s public responses to date.
- Carrying out inquiries into a related complaint by a member of the public regarding the commission of possible criminal offences in the matter. This complaint has recently been referred to the CMC by the Queensland Police Service. Due to the seriousness of the allegations, the CMC is obliged to commence an investigation to ascertain whether or not any criminal offence has been committed by any persons associated with the making of the forced offer.
- Commencing a quality review of the University’s overall management of official misconduct matters to help restore public confidence in the institution’s ability to deal with related allegations.
‘The CMC has, in line with its statutory responsibility to oversight allegations of misconduct in Queensland’s public sector, been closely monitoring the University’s handling of this matter,’ Mr Strange said.
‘At no time has the CMC closed its oversight and, in the public interest, we have decided to take this course of action due to the seriousness of the allegations and to ensure public confidence is maintained in the University and its ability to deal with any future complaints involving suspected official misconduct.’
Mr Strange said it was not appropriate to comment further until the CMC had concluded its inquiries.
Separately, he said the CMC’s decision to conduct a quality review of the University’s overall management of official misconduct matters would help identify strengths and weaknesses in its handling of complaints.
‘The CMC places a strong emphasis on helping public sector agencies build their capacity to prevent and deal with suspected misconduct,’ Mr Strange said.
‘One of the key reasons for this is that a culture of integrity can only be successfully embedded within an agency or institution when it takes responsibility for the wrongdoings of its own officers.
‘A quality review of the University’s management of complaints will enable us to identify any opportunities to strengthen the capacity of the University to prevent and deal with future official misconduct.’
The CMC will also refer any relevant information concerning the University’s admission procedures to the Queensland Ombudsman, which has jurisdiction over administrative practice and decision-making by agencies.
