The regulator’s investigation into ANU will proceed unto April 2026, when Lynelle Briggs’ inquiry into the university is expected.
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) CEO Mary Russell set out the process in the recent Senate Estimates hearing.
“These circumstances are somewhat extraordinary. We are aware of the need to balance the importance of getting to the bottom of the concerns at ANU with the need for stability at the institution,” she told Senator Faruqi (Greens, NSW).
Dr Russell added the agency is reviewing “large quantities of documents” and Ms Briggs has attended ANU council and is meeting “with a number of individuals and representative bodies on campus.”
As to what the agency makes of ANU’s submission that all is ok. “That is an important part, but only one part, of what we need to consider,” Dr Russell said.
“We would triangulate that with other evidence, documentation, staff surveys—in this case, interviews with participants from right across the ANU community. The agreement or the disagreement between those sources of evidence is important to guiding our questions, guiding our inquiries and ultimately informing our decisions.
Plus, the agency is involving itself in what ANU might want to do next. Dr Russell added, “I am engaging with the chancellor about the issue or the question of proceeding with an appointment of a new vice-chancellor.”
As Charles Sturt U and Murdoch U discovered when the agency renewed their registration for four rather than the standard years, TEQSA walks slowly but carries a very big stick.
It is going to be a long hot summer for ANU’s council.