Independent Senator David Pocock has urged the Chancellor of the Australian National University, former Liberal politician Julie Bishop, to step aside while allegations of bullying against her are investigated.

At a Senate Inquiry into University governance this week, ANU academic Dr Liz Allen alleged that she had been threatened, intimidated, bullied “into near suicide”, suffered a miscarriage, and her career derailed because she sought greater probity of ANU Council conduct.

ANU Students’ Association president Will Burfoot, the undergraduate representative on the council, also told the inquiry that he had witnessed and experienced mistreatment, and described Chancellor Bishop’s conduct as “demeaning” and “dismissive”.

Chancellor Bishop has denied the allegations: “I reject any suggestion that I have engaged with Council members, staff, students and observers in any way other than with respect, courtesy and civility. The witness concerned has initiated grievance proceedings, and it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this time.” 

The inquiry heard allegations that Chancellor Bishop had prevented the ANU Council from voting to pause changes and forced redundancies under the ‘Renew ANU’ program, which aims to cut costs by $250 million. ANU chief operating officer Jonathan Churchill has said the ANU has lost $2 million each week, and its deficits are not sustainable.

Senator Pocock repeated calls to halt job losses under the program until an independent investigation was complete.

The federal higher education regulator TEQSA will appoint an independent expert to review governance concerns at the university.

Labor politicians have not joined Senator Pocock’s call. Dr Andrew Leigh MP, a former professor at ANU, said he preferred to work behind the scenes with education minister Jason Clare MP.

Senator Katy Gallagher described Dr Allen’s testimony as “deeply distressing”, and said “something needs to change” at ANU, but argued that governments should be cautious about intervening in university leadership. She called for independent mediation to “reset” the process.

Belconnen Basketball Stadium expansion moves to design stage

Canberra architectural firm SQC Group has been awarded the contract to undertake preliminary planning and design for the Belconnen Basketball Stadium expansion.

The project — a partnership between the ACT Government and Basketball ACT, formalised in December — will consider adding three new courts, including an 1,800-seat FIBA-level show court and upgraded amenities.

“This project represents a vital investment in the future of basketball in the ACT, ensuring the growing needs of our players, officials, and broader sporting community are met with modern, high-quality facilities,” Basketball ACT CEO Nicole Bowles said.

“We welcome the ACT Government’s commitment and look forward to working together to deliver a facility that will serve the basketball community for years to come.”

Sports minister Yvette Berry MLA said the expansion, alongside new double-court school gyms, would help meet growing demand for indoor sport facilities. More than 14,000 Canberrans play basketball, one of Canberra’s largest participation sports.

“The design and planning phase is a critical step in laying the foundation for the stadium’s expansion,” Ms Berry said. “I look forward to seeing the outcome of this important work.”

Preliminary planning and design are expected to be completed early next year.

Free period product dispensers in ACT schools

More than 30 ACT public schools will install free period product dispensers as part of a pilot program to end period poverty.

The dispensers — placed in girls’, gender-neutral and accessible bathrooms — will supply pads in primary schools, and pads and tampons in high schools, P–10 schools, and colleges. Other dispensers will be placed in wellbeing spaces and classrooms, while products will remain available at school front offices.

An awareness campaign consisting of posters and educational materials will accompany the rollout, also aiming to end stigma about menstruation.

Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, Minister for Women, said the initiative would ensure students could “access period products with dignity and confidence” and learn or take part in extracurricular activities without unnecessary obstacles.

“The rollout of this pilot program is a vital step in dismantling the barriers that menstruating people face every day,” Dr Paterson said. “Access to pads and tampons should never be a privilege; it is a basic necessity.”

The pilot also includes Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital, Community Health Centres and Walk-in Centres. All these dispensers are expected to be operational by the end of this month.

The ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to legislate guaranteed access to free period products for students, under the Period Products and Facilities (Access) Act 2023.