Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell of the Australian National University (ANU) resigned on April 26, 2025, a move described by some as necessary, yet part of a broader leadership crisis at the institution. The resignation has sparked discussions about the university’s governance and the impact of its controversial Renew ANU initiative.
Former ANU council member and high-profile demographer Liz Allen commented on Bell’s resignation, stating it was a welcome decision but merely a step toward restoring confidence in the university’s leadership. Allen, who resigned from her council position in April 2025, emphasized that the issues at ANU extend beyond gender, asserting, “This is about leadership.”
Allen expressed concern over the negative effects of the Renew ANU initiative, particularly on women and marginalized groups within the university community. “If we really want to talk about gender, let’s talk about the fact that people in the ANU community who have been adversely affected by the so-called Renew ANU have disproportionately been women,” she remarked.
The discussion around Bell’s departure is set against a backdrop of significant unrest within ANU. More than 100 staff members are reportedly facing job insecurity, with potential redundancies looming. Allen articulated the need for the university to focus on rebuilding its reputation and healing from the turmoil, stating, “It’s going to take some time for the community to heal, but also for that reputation to rebuild.”
In a Senate hearing held last month, Allen provided testimony regarding governance issues at Australian universities, detailing her experiences of being accused of leaking confidential information after raising concerns in council meetings. She highlighted a culture of silence and inaction following her disclosures, which contributed to her feelings of humiliation and trauma.
Following Bell’s resignation, Allen called for the ANU Chancellor Julie Bishop to also step down, criticizing the university’s governance as resembling “a perpetual soap opera.” She urged senior leaders to reflect on their roles and prioritize the university’s future over personal interests.
The media coverage surrounding ANU has pointed to a pattern of governance dysfunction, with Allen drawing parallels to the infamous robodebt scandal in Australia. She remarked, “The job for the council now is to ensure this kind of disaster never happens again. There must be greater safeguards.”
Despite the upheaval, Allen noted a sense of optimism among the university community, stating, “Overwhelmingly, though, ANU people are positive that the outlook for ANU is one of moving from strength to strength. We will support each other to ensure that ANU is worthy of its position as the nation’s university.”
As ANU navigates this leadership transition, the focus will likely remain on accountability and the establishment of a more inclusive and effective governance framework.
