Chancellor of the Australian National University (ANU), Julie Bishop, has publicly refuted bullying allegations made by academic Liz Allen, who claimed that Bishop’s behavior during her tenure on the university’s council nearly drove her to suicide. During a town hall meeting on August 12, 2023, Bishop firmly rejected the allegations, asserting that she treats all staff with “the greatest respect and civility.”
Allen’s remarks were initially made during a Senate inquiry last month, where she described her experiences with Bishop, alleging that the former foreign minister berated her, obstructed her attempts to leave a room, and reacted with laughter when she expressed emotional distress. Bishop stated that she first became aware of these claims when they were presented at the inquiry and noted that she has since submitted a formal response to the Senate committee addressing the allegations.
Bishop’s defense comes at a time of significant upheaval within ANU, following the resignation of Genevieve Bell, the vice-chancellor. Bell stepped down amid controversies surrounding a $250 million cost-cutting initiative intended to alleviate the university’s financial challenges. Her administration faced mounting scrutiny due to the implementation of forced redundancies as part of this program.
In the wake of Bell’s departure, Rebekah Brown, the former provost, has been appointed as the interim vice-chancellor. Brown has committed to reviewing the “Renew ANU” cost-saving measures, aiming to address the concerns raised by students and faculty alike.
When questioned about her own future as chancellor, Bishop confirmed her intention to continue in her role until her term ends in 2026. She emphasized that forced redundancies should be considered only as a last resort in managing the university’s financial situation.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare acknowledged ongoing governance issues at ANU, stating that these concerns have been referred to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency for further assessment. Clare clarified that decisions regarding the vice-chancellor’s resignation and the appointment of a successor are ultimately the responsibility of the ANU Council.
Bishop’s comments and the evolving situation at ANU have drawn significant attention, particularly given the serious nature of the allegations and the implications for university governance.
For individuals seeking support in light of these discussions, resources are available, including Lifeline at 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service at 1300 659 467, and Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800. Additional mental health support can be found through beyondblue at 1300 22 4636 and Embrace Multicultural Mental Health, which assists individuals from diverse backgrounds.
