ACT independent Senator David Pocock and demographer Dr Liz Allen have called for efforts to rebuild trust, confidence and better governance at the ANU.

Their joint statement follows Julie Bishop stepping down as ANU chancellor amid ongoing questions about leadership and governance at the university.

The statement pointed to sustained concerns raised by staff, students and alumni, including evidence given at a Senate inquiry, resignations from members of the ANU Council in protest over governance issues, and repeated public calls for reform from academics and staff organisations.

Senator Pocock and Dr Allen highlighted submissions and open letters from professors, emeritus academics and alumni, alongside advocacy from the National Tertiary Education Union and the ANU Students’ Association.

“When things go so terribly wrong at the helm of such an important institution… there must be accountability,” the statement said.

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