The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) has appointed Lynelle Briggs, a former Australian Public Service Commissioner, to independently review the governance systems of the Australian National University (ANU). This decision comes as part of a compliance assessment initiated by TEQSA in response to concerns raised by Education Minister Jason Clare regarding the university’s leadership and operational practices.
Ms. Briggs brings significant experience in governance and administration to the role. She has previously served as the chief executive for Medicare and was involved in the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Additionally, she co-chaired a legislative review focused on Australia’s maritime industry. Her comprehensive background positions her well to assess the effectiveness of ANU’s governance framework.
The review will incorporate findings from ANU’s self-assurance report and will involve interviews with a range of stakeholders, including staff, students, and members of the university’s executive and council. The objective is to evaluate whether ANU’s leadership and culture are functioning effectively, ascertain the breadth of oversight in decision-making, and assess the handling of complaints. Briggs will also identify potential systemic issues and governance concerns, providing recommendations aimed at strengthening the university’s operations.
TEQSA has been scrutinizing ANU since October 2024, and the formal assessment was launched on June 30, 2025. This review emerges amidst ongoing restructuring at the university, which includes job cuts as part of the Renew ANU initiative. Calls for changes in leadership have been prevalent, reflecting wider discontent among the university community.
ACT Senator Katy Gallagher expressed support for Ms. Briggs’ appointment, emphasizing the need for a thorough and independent review to restore confidence in ANU’s governance. “An independent, transparent review will help ensure the right actions are taken to strengthen ANU’s governance, culture, and the confidence of staff, students, and the Canberra community,” she stated.
Senator David Pocock also welcomed the appointment but criticized the regulator’s response time, describing it as “far slower than circumstances warrant.” Pocock urged for the public release of Briggs’ findings once her review is concluded. He further reiterated the importance of prioritizing staff and student wellbeing, calling for a halt to any additional forced redundancies during this period of evaluation.
The review arrives amid various allegations regarding ANU’s leadership, including claims of bullying against Chancellor Julie Bishop. Former council members have voiced their lack of faith in the university’s leadership during a Senate inquiry, prompting the establishment of a separate group to address these claims. This group includes former departmental secretary Andrew Metcalfe, ANU provost Rebekah Brown, and former Victoria Police chief commissioner Christine Nixon.
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has expressed a lack of confidence in any investigation managed by the university, leading to their call for the dismissal of both the chancellor and vice-chancellor. They have initiated a petition advocating for a cessation of forced redundancies and the appointment of Rebekah Brown as interim vice-chancellor while the review is conducted.
With ongoing concerns surrounding ANU’s governance, the independent review led by Lynelle Briggs is expected to play a crucial role in addressing these issues and guiding the university towards a more effective governance structure.
