CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman Resigns Amid TAFE Accreditation Scandal

Melbourne 24 February: Charles Darwin University (CDU) vice-chancellor and president Professor Scott Bowman has resigned from his post following an accreditation scandal that affected nearly 300 TAFE students.

Earlier this month, CDU admitted that a number of TAFE students were mistakenly declared qualified despite not completing all required “associated units of competency”. The ABC first reported that at least 40 carpentry apprentices would need to return to study after being wrongly certified to work on construction projects. The university later confirmed the number of affected students had risen to 296, including those enrolled in the Certificate II in Construction Pathways course.

In a statement, CDU said Professor Bowman and the university’s Executive Council had agreed that it was “in CDU’s best interests” for him to step aside at this time. The university said the decision would allow it to address current challenges and fulfil its responsibilities to students, staff and the Northern Territory community.

“It is important that the focus remains firmly on the issues, and that efforts are galvanised to deliver quality training, teaching and research,” the statement said.

CDU chancellor Trevor Riley AO KC acknowledged Professor Bowman’s “grace in this decision” and praised his “significant contribution to the university”, noting that CDU was on a stronger footing due to his leadership. He also recognised the difficult circumstances surrounding the resignation.

CDU TAFE apologised to those impacted, saying the university regretted the concern and disruption caused by the period of uncertainty and reaffirmed its commitment to students, staff and the broader community.

Professor Bowman’s departure is the second senior resignation linked to the scandal. Pro vice-chancellor and CDU TAFE chief executive Michael Hamilton stepped down last week.

Independent MLA for Araluen Robyn Lambley called for clarity around the nature of Professor Bowman’s departure, saying she hoped taxpayers would not be burdened with a multi-million-dollar payout. She noted that senior executive exits often come with significant costs to the Northern Territory public.

In November last year, CDU announced Professor Bowman’s contract, originally due to expire in April 2026, would be extended for another five years until 2031. However, acting vice-chancellor Professor Fiona Coulson said Professor Bowman would not take up a new contract and would take leave for the remainder of his current term.

Professor Coulson will serve as acting vice-chancellor until April, after which she will assume the role of interim vice-chancellor. CDU said a formal recruitment process would be undertaken to appoint the university’s next vice-chancellor.