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Julie Bishop has stepped down from her position at the university and the Albanese government, a decision she communicated last night. Her resignation comes seven months ahead of schedule, as her term was originally set to conclude in December. Bishop cited that it had become untenable for her to remain in her role.
In her six-year tenure, Bishop significantly enhanced the university’s reputation both at home and abroad. Her efforts in strengthening global ties were particularly notable during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a university spokesperson.
The council expressed gratitude for Bishop’s contributions, acknowledging the impact of her work. “We extend our best wishes to the Hon. Julie Bishop as she moves forward,” the spokesperson added.
Looking ahead, the council emphasized its commitment to ushering in a new era of robust governance and leadership. They reaffirmed the university’s status as one of the leading institutions in Australia and globally, highlighting its distinguished history of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
“The ANU is one of Australia’s and the world’s great universities. It has a remarkable and proud history of the highest levels of teaching, research and innovation.”
Bishop told the ABC she was “deeply privileged” to serve as chancellor.
“I continue to regard the ANU as a truly national treasure,” Bishop said.
Bishop spent a tumultuous period at the top of the cash-strapped institution, a term that was plagued by governance concerns and a controversial $250 million cost-cutting plan which included slashing jobs.
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) said Bishop’s decision to leave is “long overdue” and described it as a chance for the “troubled university to heal”.
“Julie Bishop falling on her sword is long overdue and closes one of the darkest chapters we’ve seen at any Australian university,” NTEU national president Dr Alison Barnes said.
“Staff have suffered enormously during her disastrous reign,” she claimed.
Union members had been calling for a leadership change at ANU for the past 18 months, NTEU ANU branch president Millan Pintos-Lopez said.
Bishop was appointed ANU’s first female chancellor in 2020 and her term was due to end on December 31, 2026.
Her replacement has not yet been named.
The ANU is a government-owned, not-for-profit university and is regarded as a national asset.
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