The most senior executive at one of Australia's top universities is being urged to quit as the troubled institution attempts a reset after the resignation of its vice-chancellor.
Former foreign minister Julie Bishop says she has no intention of leaving her post as Australian National University's chancellor, despite a year-long public relations saga involving allegations of bullying and poor management.
Embattled vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell tendered her resignation on Thursday and will eventually return to work as an academic, after trying to introduce a $250 million cost-cutting program which angered staff and students.
She's being replaced by the university's former provost Rebekah Brown.
Staff attending a town hall at the university on Thursday cheered and clapped when they were told Professor Bell had called it quits.
ACT independent Senator David Pocock is among those who've been critical of the university's current management.
He said Ms Bishop's position as chancellor of the Canberra institution was untenable.
"The current leadership (has) been involved in getting it to the point that when the (vice-chancellor's) resignation is announced, there's huge cheers," Senator Pocock told AAP.
He said there were grievance proceedings underway and Ms Bishop's role was ultimately a matter for the university council.
"But based on what I've heard, I think there are very serious questions there," the senator said.
Ms Bishop was grilled on Thursday over allegations levelled at her by academic Liz Allen, who told a parliamentary hearing earlier in 2025 she had been bullied almost to the point of suicide by the former deputy Liberal leader.
Ms Bishop said she had the support of the university council and would serve out the remainder of her term, which ends in 2026.
"I reject the allegations that I heard for the first time on the 12th of August that I have treated any staff at ANU with anything other than the greatest respect and civility and courtesy," she said.
"There are no grounds for me to stand aside."
Ms Bishop said she had placed a right of reply with the parliamentary committee last Monday and was awaiting confirmation it will be made public.
"I will not further compromise the integrity of a workplace grievance process that has now been put in place by the council," she said.
"I recused myself from these discussions and that there will be an independent investigation into these allegations."
