ANU student housing procurement process under fire

Concerns have been raised about the Australian University’s relationship with UniLodge after allegations the university exempted itself from a competitive tender process over the management of a student accommodation building.

ANU Student Association president Leah Ginnivan said the university dealt exclusively with UniLodge over contracts for the Childers Street student accommodation '4' building, which will house 550 students and is owned by the university.

However, an ANU spokeswoman said the UniLodge contract had been handled in line with the university's procurement processes but would not provide more detail about the agreement, citing confidentiality.

Under the university's procurement processes, exemptions from tendering can be made if 'the market is highly specialised and limited to a few suppliers, or if there are special circumstances'.

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