'Overly litigious, combative' CIT chief referred for public sector probe

An ACT Legislative Assembly committee has recommended Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) CEO Margot McNeill be investigated by the Public Sector Standards Commissioner for her "overly litigious and combative" approach to inquiries about her appointment. The committee was investigating allegations that McNeill gave false or misleading evidence to a previous inquiry into her recruitment.

However, the committee found it unable to conclude due to McNeill's refusal to cooperate. McNeill's appointment as CIT's chief executive came under scrutiny after it was revealed she had failed to disclose a misconduct investigation at her previous role at TAFE NSW. This led to a committee probe into her recruitment, during which McNeill gave evidence claiming she had been instructed not to disclose details about the TAFE NSW investigation.

However, TAFE NSW released a statement contradicting McNeill's claims, arguing they had never prohibited her from doing so. This triggered further probes by the committee, which ultimately accused McNeill of giving false and misleading evidence and obstructing inquiries. The committee cited her refusal to provide legal advice and her use of legal professional privilege over non-existent documents as evidence of obstruction.

The committee emphasized the importance of public servants engaging with parliamentary inquiries in a cooperative manner, stating that McNeill's conduct undermined the integrity and reputation of the public service.