By NOEL MURPHY
AN independent umpire will hear misconduct allegations against a Koorie academic before Deakin University decides whether to proceed with a further investigation.
Deakin suspended Institute of Koorie Education director Professor Wendy Brabham without explanation three weeks ago.
Another week passed before Deakin furnished Prof Brabham with the reason – alleged misconduct.
The university refuses to elaborate on the allegation.
A National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) spokesperson told the Independent Prof Brabham had responded to the allegations in writing this week.
“An independent person will review her response and determine whether an investigation is warranted,” the spokesperson said.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor Prof Jane den Hollander refused to reveal details of the independent reviewer or the nature of the allegations.
She declined to give a timeframe for the independent review or reply to the Independent’s questions about whether the Brabham case had been brought to the notice of authorities outside the university.
She issued a comment through Deakin’s media department citing “respect to those involved” as her reason for not commenting.
The matter would be dealt with in according to enterprise agreement obligations and university procedures, the statement said.
The union said the matter had been improperly dealt with at the outset.
“We don’t know the detail of the misconduct allegation but we want to see due process and people treated with respect,” the union spokeperson said.
Prof Brabham has spearheaded indigenous education at Deakin since 1991.
The Institute of Koorie Education is undergoing change, including an investment of $12 million in a new building.
The Deakin statement acknowledged “some staff may be feeling uncertain at the moment” but said they had been assured the university was committed to a “bright future for the institute”.
Meanwhile, talks on a new enterprise bargaining agreement at Deakin are continuing as the NTEU gears up for a statewide stop-work to state its case on August 20.
Both the union and Deakin are optimistic of an earlier resolution.
“Deakin is continuing to negotiate its next enterprise agreement in good faith with the NTEU,” a Deakin statement said.
“We are pleased with the progress to date and are hopeful of a final outcome soon.”
