Western Australia Seeks Deloitte Reimbursement Over Flawed University Report

The Western Australian government is seeking expedited reimbursement from Deloitte after errors were found in a university merger report, according to Guardian Australia. The government paid the firm A$166,000 to study possible mergers involving the University of Western Australia, Curtin University and Murdoch University.

One scenario listed costs of A$514 million before the first day of a merger and A$145 million over the following five years. Those figures total A$659 million, but the report gave a total of A$399 million. Another scenario listed costs totaling A$512 million but reported A$823 million.

The report also contained AI generated references and used an outdated name for Curtin University. Deloitte said generative AI supported research collection, information synthesis and editorial proofing.

The government said Deloitte will review and reissue the report. Deloitte previously repaid the federal government over an error-ridden report produced with AI. Officials said they had been advised that the errors did not affect its modeling or findings.