Critics argue Julie Bishop is doing to the ANU what Scott Morrison did to the Liberal Party: eroding a once-formidable brand from within.
Morrison hollowed out the Liberals until little remained beyond the pursuit of power. Bishop’s detractors fear the ANU is now being hollowed out too, reduced to titles and ceremonies while its academic core slips away.
🏛️ Striking Parallels
Both leaders arrived with prestigious résumés. Critics say both blurred personal brand management with institutional stewardship.
- Morrison faced allegations of secrecy, stacked boards, and dismissal of dissent.
- At ANU, Bishop has been criticised over governance controversies, including claims of staff surveillance and limited transparency.
The results, observers note, look alike:
- Liberals lost moderates to the teals.
- ANU risks losing talent to Melbourne, Singapore, and the private sector.
⚖️ Senate Testimony
On 12 August 2025, at a Senate inquiry, demographer Dr Liz Allen alleged Bishop subjected her to a two-hour ambush, blocked her from leaving, and left her in despair an ordeal she linked to a miscarriage.
Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell was absent, citing illness, while regulators confirmed a governance probe.
📉 The Rankings Slide
ANU’s THE standing has fallen during Bishop’s term:
| Year | THE World Ranking | Nature Index (Australia rank) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 50 | 3rd |
| 2025 | 73 | 6th |
🚨 A Cautionary Parallel
Morrison left the Liberal Party electorally stranded and philosophically adrift. Critics fear Bishop may leave ANU academically weakened and intellectually adrift.
