The full statement is below.

We are deeply concerned by this matter and have appointed former diplomat and Australian Public Service Commissioner Peter Woolcott AO to conduct a comprehensive independent external review to examine the case. We are concerned at apparent inconsistencies in the reasons provided to the University for that travel to a country with government ‘do not travel’ advice in place. We also want to ensure we have clear and consistent processes concerning such travel advisories.

The independent external review will consider the purpose and outcome of the academic’s travel to Iran alongside the approvals process for the travel, any further remediation steps the University should take, and any additional recommendations for the University in the context of heightened geopolitical risks and tensions.

Our initial investigations showed a combination of system and human errors meant the travel request was erroneously processed by the University’s travel booking systems.

Significant work has been undertaken since 2025 to address control weaknesses in processes, systems and training, however discrepancies in accounts and processes remain and we welcome Mr Woolcott’s insights to ensure ongoing compliance and to provide assurance that this matter has been fully and impartially reviewed and that all appropriate actions have been taken.

We remain deeply committed to research undertaken in line with Australia's foreign policy settings that complies with all applicable laws, government guidelines, ethical standards, codes of research conduct as well as the University's own policies, codes and standards – and to continuing to work with the Australian government and the sector to conduct our mission in an increasingly complex environment, in accordance with our obligations.