A diverse group consisting of politicians, union representatives, and students and staff from the Australian National University (ANU) convened to express their solidarity with the university’s interim vice-chancellor, Rebekah Brown. This gathering comes in light of recent allegations suggesting that Brown may have influenced the resignation of her predecessor, Genevieve Bell, who had faced significant criticism during her tenure.
Participants in the event, held at the university’s chancellery, included Federal Labor MP Alicia Payne, ACT Senator David Pocock, former ANU vice-chancellor Ian Chubb, and researcher Liz Allen. Their collective support underscores concerns that Professor Brown is being unfairly blamed for the institution’s ongoing challenges.
Brown’s recent appointment is seen as a vital step towards restoring the university’s reputation, particularly in the wake of a contentious $250 million cost-reduction strategy introduced in 2024. Genevieve Bell’s resignation in September last year followed increasing scrutiny regarding her management of staff layoffs and related issues.
Lachlan Clohesy, secretary of the National Tertiary Education Union’s ACT branch, spoke to the confidence that union members have in Brown’s leadership, highlighting her commitment to halting forced redundancies. “She has proven her word and delivered on her promises,” he stated, adding that the recent accusations against her lack clarity regarding her involvement in Bell’s departure.
“If it turns out that Rebekah had any role in that decision, I would view it positively,” Clohesy remarked. “That would serve the university’s best interests.”
Senator Pocock emphasized that the focus of criticism should be directed at the ANU council, labeling the scrutiny of Brown as potentially unjust. “The constant factor in all the disarray at ANU has been the chancellor and the council,” he asserted, insisting that they are where attention should be directed.
Demographer Liz Allen echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the council’s actions have been detrimental to the institution. “The council is undermining this esteemed national institution,” she stated. “It’s crucial for ANU to heal and progress. I urge council members to resign and prioritize the university’s welfare over personal interests.”
In addition, some attendees advocated for significant reforms in university governance. Senator Pocock mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance governance practices nationwide, referencing a private senators’ bill aimed at establishing standards based on the findings of the ANU Governance Project. “We can set a federal standard for good governance and allow states and territories to implement it in their universities,” he explained.
The ABC reached out to ANU for a statement on the matter, but the university opted not to comment. Chancellor Julie Bishop was also contacted for her perspective, with her second term set to conclude on December 31, 2026.
