This article contains references to suicide.
ANU Chancellor Julie Bishop has hit back at allegations by an academic who claimed she was driven close to suicide due to bullying.
At a town hall meeting on Thursday, Bishop said she rejected “each and every allegation” by demographer Liz Allen, who alleged she had been “bullied into near suicide” when she served on the university’s council.
“I reject the allegations that I heard for the first time on the 12th of August that I have treated any staff at ANU with anything other than the greatest respect and civility and courtesy,” Bishop said.
At a Senate inquiry last month, Allen alleged that the former foreign minister subjected her to verbal abuse, prevented her from exiting a room, and mocked her when she showed signs of distress.
Demographer Liz Allen claimed she was bullied while she served on ANU’s council. Source: Supplied
Bishop said she only found out about the claims when Allen raised them at the inquiry, and she had since provided a written right of response to the Senate committee.
It came as Bishop announced vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell had tendered her resignation following months of controversy over a $250 million cost-cutting program.
Since starting her role in January of last year, Bell has faced growing criticism, especially after implementing measures such as forced redundancies aimed at addressing the university’s critical financial challenges.
Asked if her own position was tenable, Bishop said she intended to remain as chancellor for the rest of her term, which expires at the end of 2026.
She told reporters after the town hall that forced redundancies should be a “last option”.
Bell’s interim replacement is former Provost Rebekah Brown, who is promising to review the cost-saving “Renew ANU” program.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said “significant governance concerns at ANU” had been raised with him and he had referred them to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency for assessment.
“The resignation of the vice-chancellor and the appointment of her successor are matters for the ANU Council,” he said.
Readers seeking crisis support can ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.
