Former University of Tasmania vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen is being investigated by the anti-corruption watchdog in South Australia.
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Professor Rathjen stepped down from his role as vice-chancellor at UTAS in 2017 and it was announced he would take the equivalent position at University Adelaide.
However this week news emerged that Professor Rathjen, along with Uni Adelaide's chancellor Kevin Scarce had both stepped down from their roles.
South Australian Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Bruce Lander confirmed via a statement ICAC was investigating Professor Rathjen on Thursday.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"I have commenced an investigation in respect of allegations of improper conduct by the vice-chancellor of the University of Adelaide," the Commissioner said.
"Ordinarily I would not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation because the legislation under which I operate is predicated upon investigations being conducted in private. Similarly any persons aware of an investigation being undertaken by my office are constrained as to the information they are able to disclose.
"However, in light of the intense speculation regarding The University of Adelaide, and the likelihood that that speculation will continue and potentially lead to an unnecessary negative impact on the university's operations, I have decided to make this public."
The resignations of the university's top two managerial positions was shrouded in secrecy when it emerged this week as it was not made clear by the university why the pair had resigned.
Professor Rathjen was vice-chancellor of UTAS for about seven years, from 2010-2017.
He was instrumental in starting the process for what would become the university's Northern Transformation project, which is now represented in two new campuses being built in Launceston and Burnie.
Commissioner Lander said ICAC would investigate allegations of improper conduct by Professor Rathjen and also the manner which the university dealt with those allegations.
"Secondly, my investigation is in respect of potential issues of serious or systemic misconduct and maladministration, not corruption," he said.
He said he would not speculate further on the investigation or any potential findings, considering the investigation has only just begun.
At the end of the investigation, it will be at the Commissioner's discretion whether the findings or final report is made public.