ANU Chancellor Bishop Denies Bullying Allegations, Vice-Chancellor Bell Resigns Amid $250M Cuts

Australian National University (ANU) Chancellor Julie Bishop has firmly denied allegations by academic Liz Allen, who claimed she was bullied to the brink of suicide while serving on the university council. Bishop rejected these accusations at a town hall meeting and reiterated her commitment to remain as chancellor until her term ends in 2026, despite the controversy. The resignation of ANU Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell followed months of criticism over a $250 million cost-cutting program, including forced redundancies, aimed at stabilizing the university’s finances. Bell’s interim replacement, Provost Rebekah Brown, has pledged to review the controversial "Renew ANU" program, with no immediate decisions on restructuring or job cuts. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare acknowledged significant governance concerns at ANU and has referred the matter to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency. Throughout the turmoil, Bishop emphasized her intent to lead the university through this transitional period, maintaining that she has the confidence of the ANU Council.