Rathjen’s Tassie conduct probed

THERE is no evidence of sexual misconduct involving Peter Rathjen during his tenure at the University of Tasmania, says its vice-chancellor.

Former Adelaide University and UTAS vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen has been investigated over sexual misconduct allegations from his time at Melbourne University in addition to his misconduct at Adelaide University.

South Australia’s Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Bruce Lander revealed on Wednesday Prof Rathjen had tried to conceal he was the subject of an investigation of sexual harassment or abuse against a postgraduate female student while he was an academic at Melbourne.

Prof Rathjen was vice-chancellor at UTAS from 2011-17.

Vice-Chancellor Rufus Black wrote to his colleagues after the ICAC findings and said UTAS had done its own investigation into Prof Rathjen’s behaviour.

“To date (we) have determined that there was no known evidence of sexual harassment or sexual assault involving Professor Peter Rathjen during his tenure at the University of Tasmania,” Prof Black wrote. “I want to assure you there is no tolerance at our university for sexual harassment or sexual assault. While details of the ICAC report relate to things that happened elsewhere, for many, especially those who worked with Peter Rathjen, they may feel all too close to home.”

No allegation has been made against Prof Rathjen of sexual assault, nor has he been charged with any offence.