UPDATE: Public figure Julie Bishop has taken a surprising step by setting her Instagram account to private amid growing turmoil at the Australian National University (ANU). The former Liberal minister for foreign affairs, who has served as ANU’s chancellor since 2020, faces mounting pressure to resign following a series of controversies that have escalated in recent weeks.
Earlier this year, over 800 ANU staff expressed no confidence in Bishop’s leadership alongside former vice chancellor Genevieve Bell. This vote was sparked by a staggering overestimation of the university’s deficit by more than $60 million. The situation worsened when Bishop and Bell announced drastic cuts totaling $250 million, leading to significant job losses and widespread condemnation from academics.
In a shocking testimony last month, prominent demographer Liz Allen revealed to a Senate Inquiry that she was pushed to “near suicide” following an aggressive meeting where Bishop allegedly prevented her from leaving. Bishop has firmly denied these claims, stating, “There are no grounds for me to stand aside,” and emphasized her commitment to maintaining the integrity of the ongoing workplace grievance process.
Despite the outcry, including calls from parliamentarians like Senator David Pocock regarding serious allegations of bullying and workplace harassment, Bishop remains resolute in her position, vowing to finish her term, which is set to conclude in 2026. Bell, however, resigned from her $1.1 million role last month, a move celebrated by many academics during a staff town hall.
The implications of this leadership crisis at ANU are profound, affecting not just administration but the broader academic community. Bishop’s decision to privatize her social media account raises questions about her willingness to engage with public scrutiny.
As pressure mounts, what will be the next steps for Bishop and ANU? Observers are keenly watching for any further developments in this escalating saga.
