Julie Bishop Resigns as ANU Chancellor Amid Governance Crisis
"The ANU Council is no longer able to discharge its legal and ethical obligations."
Canberra, Australia — Julie Bishop has resigned as chancellor of the Australian National University (ANU), effective immediately. The university confirmed her resignation on Thursday evening, months before her term was scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026.
Resignation Details
Bishop stated that the ANU Council "is no longer able to discharge its legal and ethical obligations" following intervention by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) in the selection process for her successor.
She cited "unprecedented and coordinated interference" and expressed concerns about regulatory overreach that she said threatens institutional autonomy and academic freedom.
Pro-chancellor Larry Marshall will serve as acting chancellor until a permanent appointment is made through an independent process, as recommended by TEQSA.
Background
Bishop's resignation follows the departure of Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell in September 2024. The university has undergone a restructure since 2024, resulting in at least 399 redundancies. Proposed course closures and allegations of a toxic work culture have also been reported.
In October 2025, TEQSA flagged concerns about ANU's council culture and governance oversight. In 2025, staff and students passed a vote of no confidence in Bishop. TEQSA is currently reviewing the university's governance, financial sustainability, and institutional culture.
Bishop served as the 13th chancellor of ANU since 2020. In April, the university announced changes to the recruitment process for her successor, involving a panel of experts, as part of an agreement with TEQSA.
Responses
"Rebuilding trust and confidence will take time and careful work." — Finance Minister Katy Gallagher
- ANU Spokesperson: Thanked Bishop for her eight years of service, stating she raised the university's profile domestically and internationally and strengthened global connections, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. The council is committed to restoring the university's reputation.
- Finance Minister Katy Gallagher: Stated that rebuilding trust and confidence will take time and careful work, and that the university leadership and council must work openly with staff, students, and the community.
- Independent ACT Senator David Pocock: Described Bishop's resignation as being in the best interests of ANU and welcomed the independent process for appointing a new chancellor. He praised staff and students for raising concerns about leadership and governance.
- National Tertiary Education Union ACT Division Secretary Dr. Lachlan Clohesy: Described the resignation as a chance for calm and stability.
- National Union of Students ACT Branch President Leila Clarke: Said considerable damage was done during Bishop's tenure, including job cuts and course closures.
- Education Minister Jason Clare: Acknowledged Bishop's "long public service."
- University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Bill Shorten: Expressed hope for a fresh start.
Next Steps
The ANU Council has committed to "a new period of strong and positive governance and leadership." An independent process for appointing a new chancellor will be undertaken.
The university faces a critical moment as it works to rebuild trust among staff, students, and the broader community.