Gosper Allegations Warrant University Ombudsman
21 February 2002
Allegations of preferential treatment in student admissions to Melbourne University support the case for a National University Ombudsman.
NTEU National President, Dr Carolyn Allport, said that the allegations concerning the son of IOC Vice-President Kevan Gosper and his wife Judy, raised very serious issues for the University, as well as the Commonwealth Government.
“The integrity of Melbourne University’s student selection processes appear to have been compromised by preferential treatment, and this has huge implications for the University. Prospective students who missed out on a place will rightly feel aggrieved. It also seems that University staff have been pressured, and that the University will attempt to silence any staff member who criticises its conduct.”
“Staff felt confident that the Victorian Whistleblower Protection Act would provide an environment where they could speak about matters of public interest, but reports that staff have been directed not to speak to the media indicate that free speech is under threat. A National Higher Education Ombuds Office would both strengthen whistleblower protection, and provide an avenue for students to pursue a remedy.”
NTEU Melbourne University spokesman, Dr Jeremy Moss, also raised concerns about what the University’s response to this issue might be.
“This is a dangerous course of action for a university which should uphold free inquiry and the right to speak out about controversial issues without fear of recrimination. The Whistleblower Protection Act (Victoria) has come into being during the last year and I hope that it protects whoever has raised this very serious issue. We are very concerned however that a senior staff member who is a subject of the Ombudsman complaint, is also responsible for coordinating the University’s whistleblowing procedures. ”
Dr Allport concluded by placing the allegations in the context of Commonwealth Government policy.
“Unmet demand for university places increased this year, and it is clear that many talented students are missing out on HECS places. An environment in which there are simply not enough funded places leaves universities open to all sorts of pressures, but it does not excuse the alleged conduct of the University of Melbourne.”