Australian Catholic University (ACU) is undertaking an internal inquiry after being made aware of legal proceedings against the company contracted to manage the university’s security and cleaning services.
ACU has seven campuses across the country, with a diverse and complex range of facilities.
The university currently uses Asset Group Solutions (AGS) to manage its security nationally and its cleaning services at the Blacktown, North Sydney and Strathfield campuses.
As reported by the ABC today, ACU was not aware of criminal proceedings against former AGS principal John Zeitoune or former AGS employees.
ACU management was not aware of the undeclared business dealings between former AGS principal John Zeitoune and the university’s former Associate Director of Facilities Management, Jye West.
These allegations, if substantiated, are concerning, and the university is investigating the services provided by AGS and reviewing its contract.
As reported by the ABC, ACU management was made aware of concerns about AGS in 2018. At that time, the university conducted an internal investigation and found no evidence of wrongdoing.
ACU has a Declaration of Interest Policy and Procedure, which applies to all staff and affiliates, including contractors, suppliers and consultants employed by the university. The university also has a Protected Disclosures Policy in line with its obligations under the Corporations Act and treats all incidences of reportable conduct very seriously.
All contracts issued by the university are subject to a comprehensive procurement process and for significant contracts such as these a tender panel and process is established, with approval by a member of the Senior Executive.
ACU is committed to the highest standards of social and ethical conduct, in line with our mission and values. As a public university we also have an obligation to ensure that decisions are made legitimately and without bias.
