Top officials at the Australian National University have been grilled by staff over a controversial cost-cutting program, claims of poor governance and bullying allegations after its embattled vice-chancellor resigned.
Genevieve Bell had spearheaded major changes, including plans to forcibly make some academics redundant, in a bid to improve the university's dire financial situation by saving it about $250 million.
Staff attending a town hall at the institution's Llewellyn Hall cheered and clapped when they were told Professor Bell had tendered her resignation.
"Distinguished Professor Bell will be undertaking a period of leave and will return to the ANU School of Cybernetics in due course," Chancellor Julie Bishop said in a statement.
Prof Bell's interim replacement, former Provost Rebekah Brown, is promising to review the cost-saving "Renew ANU" program.
"I don't have all the answers right now, but with your help I know I will," she told about 1000 university staff at the meeting.
"I need a little bit of time."
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said "significant governance concerns at ANU" had been raised with him and he had referred them to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency for assessment.
"The resignation of the vice-chancellor and the appointment of her successor are matters for the ANU Council," he said.
Ms Bishop told reporters after the town hall that forced redundancies should be a "last option".
Academic and university leadership critic Liz Allen said it was time for the Canberra institution to heal.
"The ANU has copped a beating reputation-wise," the demographer told AAP.
"There must be significant repair now to rebuild and restore faith in the national university."
Earlier in 2025, Dr Allen accused Ms Bishop of bullying her almost to the point of suicide, claiming the chancellor berated her, blocked her from leaving a room and laughed when she became emotional.
Ms Bishop used the town hall to again reject "each and every" allegation.
Asked whether her position was tenable, the former federal Liberal deputy leader said she intended to remain chancellor for the rest of her term, which expires at the end of 2026.
She said she had only found out about the claims when Dr Allen raised them at a Senate hearing.
When Ms Bishop was asked about the issue at the staff gathering, one person yelled "solidarity with Liz" and others shouted "hip, hip hooray".
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