The Australian National University is defending its position amid an ongoing review by the national higher education regulator, denying it has refused a 'strong' request to pause its search for a new vice-chancellor.
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) revealed it has faced significant challenges in its dealings with the prestigious Canberra institution, prompting its chief executive to call for greater regulatory powers.
Regulator Raises Concerns About ANU Governance
TEQSA chief executive Mary Russell told a Senate committee hearing on November 12 that the regulator had 'encountered some issues that have been difficult to resolve' with ANU since launching its investigation in August 2025.
The comprehensive review will examine concerns around the 'culture of ANU's council and executive leadership' and is expected to deliver its findings between March and April 2026.
Dr Russell confirmed the regulator had directly expressed a 'strong view' to Chancellor Julie Bishop that the university should delay its vice-chancellor recruitment until TEQSA completes its assessment.
'It is not a particularly long period and there are stable interim leadership arrangements,' Dr Russell argued at the hearing.
University Insists on Cooperation
An ANU spokesperson firmly rejected any suggestion the university was ignoring the regulator's position.
'The ANU has not refused any request from TEQSA regarding the recruitment of a new VC,' the spokesperson stated, adding that no formal recruitment process has yet commenced.
The university confirmed that Chancellor Julie Bishop is 'working closely with the regulator' and that the matter would be discussed at the next council meeting on November 28.
Both independent investigator Lynelle Briggs and Dr Russell have been invited to participate in those discussions about the preliminary steps for appointing a new vice-chancellor.
The leadership changes come as former vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has resigned, with provost Rebekah Brown currently acting in the role.
Regulator Seeks Stronger Powers
The ANU situation has highlighted what TEQSA describes as limitations in its current authority.
Dr Russell presented correspondence between Ms Bishop and TEQSA as an example where universities can enter a stand-off with the regulator, leaving TEQSA 'reliant on persuasion rather than firm powers' to influence university decisions.
TEQSA general counsel Nicholas Riordan explained the regulator lacks proactive powers under existing legislation, meaning any disputes must be resolved through an administrative tribunal process.
Dr Russell indicated the agency would seek legislative changes allowing it to be 'more flexible to work in areas that present the highest risk' rather than spending significant resources on cyclical assessments.
The education department has already released a discussion paper about TEQSA's legislation and is currently conducting consultations for the review.
