Media Statement: 

ANU Governance Project Enters Dialogue with ANU 

9 September 2025, 4pm 

– UPDATE –

Today, the ANU Governance Project released its draft report. Over 600 ANU staff, students, and stakeholders have participated in this project; contributing constructively to the future of ANU.

Representatives from the ANU Governance Project met with ANU Chancellor Julie Bishop today to discuss the establishment and scope of the project and its preliminary findings and recommended reforms for governance at the University.

“I met with the project team today and I commend their excellent work in establishing this governance initiative,” the Chancellor said. 

“I value deeply the feedback we have received from across the ANU community, and I will be encouraging Council to engage in open and constructive dialogue with the group on the proposed recommendations. 

This project is a powerful example of ANU researchers applying their collective expertise to address some of the most complex challenges facing both our University and the broader higher education sector.”

We agreed that governance reform, led by the ANU community, is crucial to building trust between ANU management, staff, and students. Many of the recommendations of the project fall within the Council's remit, while others will require legislative change. 

We welcome the Chancellor’s support and encouragement for Council to engage with the project working group. We look forward to continuing this dialogue with her, and Council, in the next stages of this project. 

It’s our intention to continue working in a way that is both community-led and -endorsed. We believe that implementing the outcomes of the ANU Governance Project could position ANU as a model of good governance for the sector. 

For further information please contact the ANU Governance Project Working Group.