The University has extended the feedback period for the . Staff, students and stakeholders now have until COB Friday 9 May 2025 to share comments via org.change@anu.edu.au.

Read more: Renew 91ÊÓƵ2025 Change Principles Consultation

91ÊÓƵhas contractual arrangements with multiple suppliers for a range of University-wide goods and services. These arrangements include favourable terms, conditions and rates that have been negotiated for the University and by using these contracts, local areas may receive improved value for money through the reduced cost of these goods and services.

For the period of January to September 2024, analysis found that 50 per cent of purchase card expenditure came from off-contract spend that could have been directed towards already established contracts at a potentially lower cost base. This cost totalled more than $10 million over 17,000 transactions and included spending in the following areas:

Please see the  for more information. The University Procurement and Contracts Office (UPCO) is reviewing further spend categories to make more contracts and supplier panels available for staff to use. If you have any suggestions for new categories that could be considered for the future, please contact contracts.office@anu.edu.au. 

As we approach winter and the end of Semester 1, staff are reminded to plan and take leave to support wellbeing and manage excess balances. Upcoming public holidays in June present an excellent opportunity for staff to take a break and recharge before the commencement of semester 2. The sets out key semester dates that can assist you in planning to take a break. 

The University has been encouraging staff to prioritise their wellbeing and collectively decrease our leave liability since October last year and will continue using rostered leave arrangements for those with excess annual and long service leave balances. 

People and Culture contacted staff with excess annual leave in February so that they could develop a leave management plan with their supervisor in accordance with the 91ÊÓƵEnterprise Agreement. If a plan has not been submitted by 1 June 2025, staff may be rostered on leave from 23 June to 4 July 2025. Staff with excess long service leave will also be contacted by People and Culture by mid-June so that they can develop a leave management plan.

There have now been 25 Meetings held since 1 May 2024, these numbers cover all the meetings.

So we had an election over the weekend, and whilst there are still some seats to be confirmed, it is clear that Australia has made a decisive vote to return Labor for another three-year term. Here in the ACT, the Independents continue to make inroads and have strong support. And we are lucky to have so many elected politicians, across the political spectrum, who care about the 91ÊÓƵand about the higher education sector.

I also want to thank and acknowledge our own experts who have provided insights and analysis about the election, public policy and global conversations over the last few months as part of the 91ÊÓƵElection series. It’s been great to see the range of opinions and also show how much our expertise contributes to shaping and creating national conversations.

Read more: Update from the VC, 2025 election 

Deputy Chief Financial Officer

After a comprehensive recruitment process, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Judith Yang as Deputy Chief Financial Officer.  

Judith is a seasoned finance executive who brings significant expertise in business planning, strategy, and continuous improvement across the education and accounting sectors. Judith joins us from UNSW Global, where she currently serves as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, she successfully guided the institution through the financial impacts of COVID-19, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions and cost optimisation initiatives - strengthening performance and supporting the evolution of UNSW Global as a higher education provider. Judith has also co-led and delivered the organisation's strategic plan and major operational improvements.  

A passionate advocate for education, Judith brings a future-focused approach to financial leadership, deep expertise in governance and strategic planning and a track record of contributions to innovation and excellence in international education programs and community organisations.  

Judith will commence on 1 July 2025. We extend our sincere thanks to Anita Xiao for stepping in as Interim Deputy CFO - her steady leadership has ensured continuity and support during this transition.

Dean 91ÊÓƵCollege Systems and Society

Advertising closed yesterday and has generated strong interest from high quality candidates across the globe. Shortlisting, interviews and stakeholder engagement will occur this month. We anticipate an announcement on this appointment by July 2025.

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

Interviews have now been completed and stakeholder engagement is underway - we anticipate making an announcement on this appointment by the end of May 2025.

Chief Information Officer

Interviews have now been completed. We anticipate making an announcement on this appointment by the end of May 2025.

Chief Risk Officer

Interviews have now been completed. We anticipate making an announcement on this appointment by the end of May 2025.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure and Entities)

Shortlisting is currently underway for internal Expressions of Interest. An appointment decision is expected by the end of May 2025.

Professor Mark Kenny and Doctor Marija Taflaga break down the surprising results of the 2025 Australian federal election. The hosts of the 91ÊÓƵDemocracy Sausage podcast discuss how Anthony Albanese's Labor party secured an unexpected victory despite criticism from progressives and how the Coalition under Peter Dutton misread the political landscape.

91ÊÓƵhas a responsibility to contribute to public debate and share how our work improves innovation, understanding, democratic participation and prosperity in Australia and the world. During the recent 2025 federal election period over 100 91ÊÓƵstaff contributed their voices and expertise to the University's election coverage and media requests. 

91ÊÓƵshared: 

What’s next?

As the Government now begins to form a new ministry and implement its election agenda, we will continue to contribute to the national conversation through our work, including ,  and ongoing 91ÊÓƵExpert media commentary and policy engagement. 

Former prime minister Julia Gillard returned to campus for a day packed with leadership meetings, a live podcast recording, and a thoughtful conversation with 91ÊÓƵReporter.

Gillard shared insights into her political journey — from her early days in the student movement and union activism, to her tenure as Australia’s first female Prime Minister. Reflecting on her influences, she credited her working-class family’s belief in education, the Whitlam government’s opportunities for migrants and the guidance of feminist icon Joan Kirner.

Now Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL), Gillard continues to drive the conversation around gender equality. Her work highlights the persistent challenges women face in leadership and the importance of building an evidence-based foundation for lasting change.

In a sold-out live recording of A Podcast of One’s Own, Gillard turned the tables, interviewing journalist Leigh Sales with wit and warmth. True to the podcast’s namesake, it created space for women’s voices — and underscored Gillard’s enduring commitment to shaping a more equal future.

“I think more people now are alive to the way gender stereotyping and perceptions of leaders intersect,” she said. “A gender equal world will be better for everyone.”

 

Professor Samantha Bennett, Associate Dean Higher Degree Research in the College of Arts and Social Sciences, has been awarded the 2025 Australian Council of Graduate Research Award for Excellence in Graduate Research Leadership.

As a first-generation university student from a working-class background, Professor Bennett brings a lived understanding of the barriers many students face. This perspective has shaped her transformative approach to graduate research leadership — from broadening PhD thesis formats and reforming scholarship selection criteria to strengthening support for under-represented HDR candidates.

“We now look beyond just academic scores. We ask: what has this student overcome to get here?” she says.

Under her leadership, the College has also fostered international partnerships and prioritised community-building initiatives to reduce isolation among research students.

Professor Bennett’s work is helping ensure higher education is more inclusive, equitable, and empowering — not just for the few, but for all.

Wednesday 7 May, 5-6.30pm 

First Wednesday Connect is a regular monthly networking event that aims to encourage collaboration between Canberra based innovators. Hear from Canberra’s emerging entrepreneurs as they pitch their groundbreaking innovations that are placing Canberra on the map as a city of innovation. 

 

Tuesday 13 May, 9.30am-1pm

New to managing staff at ANU? Gain the guidance to cover all the responsibilities of people management in your new role. Attend this free invaluable induction for both academic and professional staff that will set your teams up for success. 

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Tuesday 13 May, 11am-12pm  

Safety and Wellbeing are running the next WHS and Fieldwork Safety (WHSC07) course next week. Attendance is a prerequisite to commencing fieldwork, and attendance in person is required. Registration for this session is available in HORUS or via this link . Please note this course is also mandatory for supervisors of anyone working in the field and is valid for five years. 

Tuesday 13 May, 4.30–6pm 

Thinking about postgraduate study? Attend a casual drop-in session designed for local professionals looking to take the next step in their careers. Connect with university staff to explore your study options, gain insights into specific programs and receive guidance on admissions, career outcomes and the application process. Get your burning questions answered in a relaxed and welcoming environment. 

Wednesday 14 May, 6pm 

Step into the layered dreamscapes of Inception — Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending masterpiece. This film follows lead character Dom Cobb and his team of expert dream infiltrators as they navigate a world where reality, memory and illusion are dangerously intertwined. This screening will be followed by a dynamic panel discussion with 91ÊÓƵexperts and expert guests.  

 

Wednesday 14 May, 6-7pm 

Acclaimed biographer Judith Brett will be in conversation with journalist and women’s rights advocate, Virginia Haussegger as she discusses her latest book Fearless Beatrice Faust. 

Beatrice Faust was a pioneering feminist, writer and founder of the Women’s Electoral Lobby. In this compelling biography, Brett uncovers the public achievements and private struggles of a woman who reshaped Australian feminism. 

The evening will include a vote of thanks from Professor Frank Bongiorno AM (ANU), with book signings available from 5.30pm and after the event. 

Register now: Meet the author, Judith Brett

 

Monday 19 May, 6-7pm 

Geoff Raby will be in conversation with Allan Behm on the updated edition of his book China’s Grand Strategy and Australia’s Future in the New Global Order and his recent publication, Great Game On. The contest for Central Asia and Global Supremacy. Geoff was Australia’s ambassador to China (2007–11); ambassador to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (2003–05); and ambassador to the World Trade Organization (1998–2001). Since leaving government service he has been a regular columnist on China and Eurasia for The Australian Financial Review. 

Register now: Meet the author, Geoff Raby

Wednesday 21 May, 6-7pm 

Ian Rankin will be in conversation with Chris Hammer on Midnight and Blue, the latest instalment of the Inspector Rebus series, and reflections on Ian’s bestselling career in crime writing. 

Sir Ian Rankin is the multi-million copy worldwide bestseller of over 30 novels and the creator of John Rebus. His books have been translated into 36 languages and have been adapted for radio, stage and screen. Books will be available for signing from 5:30pm.

Register now: Meet the author, Ian Rankin

 

Congratulations to Haroro Ingram, Research Fellow, who has been named a by the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation. Haroro has been recognised for outstanding contributions to understanding political violence.

This International Composting Awareness Week (4-10 May) we're celebrating the work of our Landscape and Conservation Team. For 20 years, the team has transformed green waste into nutrient-rich compost through a closed-loop system that supports our landscapes across campus.  

From composting to conservation, their work plays a vital role in building a more sustainable campus.

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In July 2024, the 91ÊÓƵtook part in the Workplace RAP Barometer Survey. Thank you to everyone who participated. Your contributions are helping 91ÊÓƵand Reconciliation Australia deepen our understanding of how to strengthen reconciliation efforts and better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We are now pleased to share an . 

Academic staff are invited to vote in the 2025 91ÊÓƵCouncil election to fill a casual vacancy for one academic staff member. Six candidates are standing for election, and voting is now open via .

The poll closes at 5pm on Thursday 15 May 2025. View candidate details and eligibility criteria on the election webpage.

The University is undertaking a review of its Student Disciplinary Framework as part of its commitment to promoting safety and wellbeing in our community.

In consultation with student representatives, internal and external experts, and members of 91ÊÓƵleadership, the Student Disciplinary Framework Review (SDFR) Project Board will provide oversight of the review.

The Project Board will consider how the University's disciplinary practices continue to adhere to regulatory requirements in a fair and equitable manner.

To learn more about this review, visit the SDFR Project Board page.

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) is a biannual international benchmarking survey that 91ÊÓƵuses to measure the quality of the research training and support current Higher Degree Research candidates receive.

The PRES is now live, and is open until 16 May. It is a confidential survey, each candidate receives a unique link via an email with an invitation to participate. It takes around 15 minutes to complete, and the data directly informs the way we deliver services to our HDR cohort and how they are prioritised.

The more participation we have, the better the data so please encourage your local HDR cohort to participate.

You can access more detailed information, including data from previous surveys .

91ÊÓƵis offering free flu vaccinations to support staff health and wellbeing during the upcoming flu season. Vaccinations are available on campus at the 91ÊÓƵMedical Centre (by appointment) and 91ÊÓƵPharmacy (walk-in), or off campus at Terry White Chemists using a voucher (available in HORUS from April 2025).

The ANUOK App has been updated so staff and students can now easily provide  on University services. Functioning the same as the , this app is available for compliments, complaints and suggestions to improve University service delivery. 

A huge thanks to everyone who has been dropping me emails or teams messages about On Campus. It's been great to hear what you like and what you want to see a little more of. You can reach me directly at editor.oncampus@anu.edu.au or alternatively share your thoughts via this . I'll schedule some time for in-person feedback in the next few weeks.

Lou Adena, Editor, On Campus

91ÊÓƵSecurity - (02) 6125 2249 

For life threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialing from an internal phone), then call 91ÊÓƵSecurity.  

Media hotline 24/7 - (02) 6125 7979 

Contact the 24/7 media hotline for media queries regarding the University and its operations, or to track down experts that aren’t listed in our .  

Help is available if you need it. Whether it's a work-related issue or a personal one, the University encourages you to seek support through the .

If you need to support a student in distress, please refer to developed by the Student Safety and Wellbeing team.