Statement from Interim Vice-Chancellor to Senate Estimates Committee

Thank you, Chair, and thank you Senators for the opportunity to appear before you again.

As the Acting Interim Chancellor has outlined, ANU has faced a period of significant challenge and scrutiny.

We have confronted serious governance failures, experienced substantial organisational disruption, and felt the impact this has had on our community and reputation. Student enrolments have been adversely affected, donor confidence has been disrupted, and there has been a broader impact on staff morale and student confidence.

Since commencing in the role, my focus has been clear: stabilising the institution, restoring accountability, rebuilding confidence through open communication, and ensuring Australia’s national university emerges stronger, more transparent and better governed.

We have taken decisive steps to strengthen accountability and rebuild confidence in the institution. The University has engaged fully with every review and investigation, and we will continue to do so. I am committed to implementing recommendations and communicating that progress transparently with our community.

Restoring confidence in the institution’s governance is not simply a regulatory obligation. It is fundamental to rebuilding trust in Australia’s national university, and it is the right thing to do.

Equally, we must not lose sight of what remains true. ANU continues to stand among the world’s leading universities, and our core institutional outcomes remain strong.

ANU is ranked number one nationally in 11 subject disciplines and 32nd globally, placing us within the top two per cent of institutions worldwide and reflecting the international standing of our research, teaching and public policy contribution.

For three consecutive years, ANU has been ranked Australia’s number one university for graduate employability, reflecting the calibre of our graduates and the strength of the education and student experience we provide.

Research performance continues to strengthen. In 2025, the University secured $63.1 million in Australian Research Council funding, a 37 per cent increase on the previous year.

As Australia’s national university, our responsibility extends beyond rankings. Our research, education and partnerships contribute directly to national capability, scientific discovery, public policy and Australia’s engagement with the world, particularly across the Asia Pacific region.

We also remain the only Australian member of the International Alliance of Research Universities, alongside Oxford, Cambridge, Yale and Berkeley, reflecting our enduring international standing.

On financial sustainability, expenditure controls have helped stabilise the operating position. Our focus is now on revenue growth and investing in the capabilities that will underpin our long-term strength.

This year marks our 80th anniversary. Staff, students, alumni and donors have come together to co-design the University’s next Strategy, which will launch in August. The Strategy will provide a shared vision for the future and help shape ANU as an institution that earns trust through excellence, transparency and genuine service to the nation.

The University is in a materially stronger position today than it was twelve months ago.

There is still important work ahead. Rebuilding confidence takes time, and accountability must be demonstrated consistently.

I am confident in the path we are on, and in the people walking with us. Thank you, Chair.

Professor Rebekah Brown
Interim Vice-Chancellor & President
The Australian National University