ANU 'unreservedly' apologises to academic who accused Julie Bishop of bullying

ANU apologises to academic who accused Julie Bishop and other executive members of misconduct In short: The Australian National University (ANU) has apologised to an academic for failures of governance, after she accused senior leadership of bullying and harassment. While speaking at a Senate estimates hearing in August last year, Liz Allen accused then-Chancellor Julie Bishop and other members of the ANU Council of misconduct, allegations Ms Bishop has refuted. What's next? It is unclear whether Dr Allen received a financial settlement along with the apology. The Australian National University (ANU) has apologised to academic Liz Allen after she accused senior leadership within the institution of misconduct, including then-Chancellor Julie Bishop. Warning: This story contains details some readers may find distressing. The ANU released a statement today commending Dr Allen for "courageously standing up" against what it said were failures of governance. In August last year, Dr Allen appeared before a Senate committee hearing and accused members of the ANU Council of bullying, harassment and hostile behaviour. The Senate committee hearing was investigating higher education governance and financial accountability. Dr Allen, a former staff-elected member of the council, accused Ms Bishop of being "hostile and arrogant" to staff and said that since 2024, she had experienced "threats, intimidation and bullying, because I sought greater probity of council conduct". Dr Allen added that she had suffered a miscarriage due to the stress she experienced during that time and that she felt her "job was at risk". Ms Bishop "categorically" denied the allegations and denied wrongdoing. "I reject any suggestion that I have engaged with Council members, staff, students and observers in any way other than with respect, courtesy and civility,"she said. "I reject absolutely … that 'dissent' is 'discouraged', that Council is 'dysfunctional and toxic under the current regime', that elected members are 'afraid', that Council is 'orchestrated cinema to make it appear that what's happening is legitimate when… it's not', or that the nature of Council is 'divide and conquer'." Ms Bishop added that her conduct had always been highly professional, saying she had "never been accused of any behaviour or conduct that remotely reflects, even to the slightest degree, what was alleged" during the Senate hearing. Earlier this year, Ms Bishop resigned as Chancellor, after resisting months of pressure to do so from staff, students and some politicians. Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell, who had been under increasing scrutiny over a savings plan and forced redundancies, had earlier resigned in September 2025. 'Failings have caused her considerable harm' Dr Allen used her testimony before the Senate committee to discuss a two-hour meeting in February 2025, in which she alleged Ms Bishop "made significant allegations of improper and illegal activity relating to the leaking of confidential matters — specifically naming me and the undergraduate student representative". She told the Senate committee there had been ongoing consequences in the aftermath. "I've received a threatening letter from a legal office. ANU media delayed publication of a piece I worked on. I was excluded from coordinated media during the election — something I would usually participate in," she said. "Colleagues are afraid to collaborate with me, fearing the leadership." In a statement today, the ANU apologised to Dr Allen and said it had failed. "The University acknowledges Dr Liz Allen's standing within the University and her significant contribution to its governance, and to the Australian community," the statement said. "Dr Allen is a valued and integral member of the University." The statement said Dr Allen "courageously spoke up about misconduct by the University's then senior leadership, and failures of governance". "Publications were made about Dr Allen that were false and unjustified," the statement said. "These publications should not have occurred and the University unreservedly apologises for the University's part in these events, for the maladministration of several processes, and for its indefensible treatment of her. "The University accepts that it has failed Dr Allen and that these failings have caused her considerable harm. "The University unreservedly apologises to Dr Allen for all of its failings and the harm it has caused her." 'Pleased with the resolution' In a statement posted to Instagram, Dr Allen said she was looking forward to helping the ANU "rebuild trust". "I am pleased with the resolution agreed with the Australian National University," Dr Allen said. "I look forward to helping the university rebuild trust, and helping to ensure that what happened to me is not the experience of future whistleblowers. "I would like to thank: my lawyer Dougal Hurley who has worked tirelessly in pursuit of accountability, my friends in parliament and academia, and my husband and family whose unwavering support sustained me." It is unclear whether Dr Allen has received a financial settlement along with the apology.