The Australian National University acknowledges it has “not always” met standards of community safety, academic freedom, disciplined risk management and contestable resource allocation.
But management promises to do better and says, “rebuilding trust requires us to be open about where we have fallen short and disciplined in how we improve.”
The undertaking is in the University’s “ANU by 2030” statement, released Friday as part of its 80th anniversary events.
Acting Pro Chancellor Andrew Metcalfe reinforced the commitment, saying, “we are still awaiting final reports relating to past failures of governance and leadership. We know that those failures caused considerable hurt and distress to many people. Important work remains before us to address those issues and restore trust and confidence.”
The commitment to change comes within weeks of the first anniversary of the resignation of former Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell, who left during a revolt of rank and file staff and members of management against her proposed restructure.
The new plan does not detail any new operating model, with Interim Vice-Chancellor Rebekah Brown saying an implementation plan will follow the appointment of the new Chancellor and substantive VC.
ANU’s council was briefed last week on the selection panel pick for Chancellor and while there is no word on process for a new VC, Professor Brown is expected to be a strong contender.
The document released on Friday includes a commitment that the implementation plan will include “a clear articulation of accountability pathways, resource allocation and outcomes sought." And it promises, “a responsive budgetary model … measured by community contribution to decision making, trust in the University’s leadership, financial resilience.”
There is no mention of the immediate challenge; to deliver on Professor Brown’s hope for a balanced budget in 2026.