Breaking: Canberra Institute of Technology CEO Margot McNeill resigns
The embattled CEO of CIT has resigned, saying the decision was "tremendously difficult" but in everyone's best interests.
In a surprising move, Margot McNeill, the CEO of the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), has resigned from her position after facing months of scrutiny and criticism. Her decision to step down was announced in a statement, where she acknowledged the difficulty of her choice.
Dr. McNeill's appointment as CIT CEO in June 2025 was met with some controversy. Prior to her appointment, it was revealed that she had failed to disclose an investigation into misconduct from her previous role at TAFE NSW. This oversight became a point of contention after an ACT Legislative Assembly committee criticized her for deliberately obstructing a probe into the matter.
The criticism intensified in May when an ACT Legislative Assembly inquiry found that Dr. McNeill should have disclosed the information about the misconduct investigation or its findings to the CIT board in a timely manner. Despite her claims of a strict obligation not to share the existence of the investigation, TAFE NSW publicly contradicted her.
Her evidence before the committee triggered another assembly probe, which found her to be deliberately obstructive and combative. Dr. McNeill's legal case against TAFE NSW remains ongoing in the NSW Supreme Court.
Amidst the controversy, Dr. McNeill has been on extended leave. On Friday, Mitch Pirie was appointed as the acting CEO, previously serving as the ACT government's acting deputy under treasurer.
In her resignation statement, Dr. McNeill expressed that leading CIT had been a source of great pride. She emphasized her extensive expertise in tertiary harmonisation and education excellence that led to her appointment. She also highlighted her commitment to CIT as a hub for innovation during a transformative period in tertiary education.
Dr. McNeill dedicated 40 years of her life to the vocational education and training sector. Despite the challenges, she remained passionate about the sector's value. CIT's board accepted her resignation, and the institution wishes her every success in her future endeavors.
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