Julie Bishop resigns as chancellor of Australian National University (ANU)

Bishop reportedly tendered her resignation to the university and the Albanian government last night, seven months before her term ended in December, saying it was untenable for her to continue.

“In her eight years in the role and through her advocacy, Mr Julie Bishop has raised the profile of the University at home and abroad and strengthened its global connections, including during the COVID pandemic,” the spokesperson said.

“The council thanks Mr. Julie Bishop for these contributions and wishes her all the best for the future.

“The council is committed to delivering a new period of strong and positive governance and leadership.

“The ANU is one of Australia’s and the world’s leading universities. It has a remarkable and proud history of the highest levels of education, research and innovation.”

Bishop told the ABC she was “very privileged” to serve as chancellor.

“I continue to regard the ANU as a true national treasure,” Bishop said.

Bishop spent a tumultuous period at the top of the cash-strapped institution, a period plagued by concerns about governance and a controversial $250 million cost-cutting plan that included job cuts.

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) said the bishop’s decision to leave was “long overdue” and described it as an opportunity for the “troubled university to heal”.

“Julie Bishop’s fall to her sword is long overdue and closes one of the darkest chapters we have ever seen at an Australian university,” said NTEU President Dr Alison Barnes.

“The staff has suffered immensely under her disastrous rule,” she claimed.

Union members have been calling for a change of leadership at the ANU over the past 18 months, said Millan Pintos-Lopez, president of the NTEU ANU branch.

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 announced.

The ANU is a government-owned, non-profit university and is considered a national asset.

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