headline

Julie Bishop quits as ANU chancellor after months of turmoil

Former foreign minister Julie Bishop has quit as chancellor of Australian National University (ANU) following calls for her to step down from the "troubled" institution.

Bishop reportedly tendered her resignation to the university and the Albanese government last night, seven months before her tenure was due to expire in December, saying it was untenable for her to continue.

In a statement shared with Nine.com.au, a spokesperson for ANU confirmed Bishop's resignation and said pro-chancellor Dr Larry Marshall will act in the position until a permanent replacement is appointed.

READ MORE: Two 'ISIS brides' charged with slavery offences after three arrested upon arrival in Australia

READ MORE: What is hantavirus? Everything to know about the deadly cruise ship outbreak

"In her six years in the role and through her advocacy, the Hon. Julie Bishop has raised the university's profile domestically and internationally and strengthened global connections, including during the COVID pandemic," the spokesperson said.

"The council thanks the Hon. Julie Bishop for these contributions and wishes her well for the future.

"The council is committed to providing a new period of strong and positive governance and leadership.

"The ANU is one of Australia's and the world's great universities. It has a remarkable and proud history of the highest levels of teaching, research and innovation."

Bishop told the ABC she was "deeply privileged" to serve as chancellor.

"I continue to regard the ANU as a truly national treasure," Bishop said.

Bishop spent a tumultuous period at the top of the cash-strapped institution, a term that was plagued by governance concerns and a controversial $250 million cost-cutting plan which included slashing jobs.

Bishop faced growing calls to resign from her post for months from some staff and students following the resignation of her colleague, ANU Vice-Chancellor Genieveve Bell, in September last year.

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) said Bishop's decision to leave is "long overdue" and described it as a chance for the "troubled university to heal".

READ MORE: All eyes on Farrer: How regional electorate could upend conservative politics

"Julie Bishop falling on her sword is long overdue and closes one of the darkest chapters we've seen at any Australian university," NTEU national president Dr Alison Barnes said.

"Staff have suffered enormously during her disastrous reign," she claimed.

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

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 named.

The ANU is a government-owned, not-for-profit university and is regarded as a national asset.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.