In a groundbreaking development for Australian higher education, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), the national regulator for the sector, has accepted a voluntary undertaking from the Australian National University (ANU) to oversee the recruitment process for its next chancellor. This move, announced on April 27, 2026, marks the first time TEQSA has directly intervened in the leadership selection of a major public university, signaling deep concerns over ANU's governance practices.

The intervention comes as ANU grapples with a protracted crisis involving financial pressures, leadership turmoil, and questions about council competence. With current Chancellor Julie Bishop's term set to expire at the end of December 2026, the timely appointment of a successor is critical for the university's stability. However, TEQSA's involvement ensures the process prioritizes independence and community trust, addressing longstanding issues that have eroded confidence in ANU's governing body.

Roots of the ANU Governance Crisis

The Australian National University, Australia's premier research institution located in Canberra, has been embroiled in governance challenges since mid-2025. Triggered by a staff no-confidence motion against Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell, the issues escalated when Education Minister Jason Clare referred serious concerns to TEQSA in June 2025. Key problems included inadequate financial oversight leading to a mandated $250 million in savings by 2026, allegations of bullying by council members including Bishop, poor handling of restructures, and a toxic culture stifling dissent.

TEQSA's compliance assessment, initiated in October 2024 and formalized in June 2025, expanded to scrutinize the council's oversight of operations, risk management, and executive competence. A pivotal element was the Nixon Review, which highlighted workplace culture flaws, alongside controversies over grades in niche programs and consultant expenditures. These factors prompted TEQSA to halt key leadership recruitments, including for the vice-chancellor and chancellor, pending independent scrutiny.

TEQSA Appoints Independent Reviewer Lynelle Briggs

In August 2025, TEQSA commissioned Lynelle Briggs AO, former Public Service Commissioner and Medicare head, as an independent expert to probe ANU's governance systems. Briggs' mandate covered council culture, leadership accountability, conflict management, and restructure risks. Her report, anticipated around May 2026, has already incurred additional costs, with TEQSA extending her contract by $88,000 as of April 2026.

Briggs' work involved stakeholder interviews, self-assurance reports from ANU, and evaluations of financial positions. ANU submitted its response by August 19, 2025 (extended deadline), affirming internal processes but acknowledging the need for improvements. This review forms the backbone of TEQSA's ongoing assessment, influencing decisions like the chancellor recruitment oversight.

Details of the Voluntary Undertaking

The voluntary undertaking, approved by ANU Council on April 20, 2026, and accepted by TEQSA a week later, outlines a structured, transparent process. A majority-independent selection panel will handle criteria development, candidate sourcing via an executive search firm, shortlisting, interviews, and recommendations to the council.

• Panel composition: Chaired by an independent figure appointed by TEQSA; at least half members (including chair and two experts) selected by TEQSA; two ANU Council nominees subject to TEQSA approval.
• Council retains final appointment power under the Australian National University Act 1991 but must notify TEQSA within 30 days of decisions diverging from panel advice, sharing minutes and papers.
• Community engagement: Input from ANU staff, students, and the ANU Governance Project working group to define desired chancellor attributes like strategic vision, governance expertise, and stakeholder trust-building.

Details will appear on a dedicated ANU webpage soon, ensuring public accountability.

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

Peter Coaldrake: The Panel Chair

TEQSA appointed Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake as panel chair on April 27, 2026. Coaldrake, former Chief Commissioner of TEQSA (2017-2022) and Vice-Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology (QUT) for 14 years, brings unparalleled sector insight. In 2022, he led Queensland's public sector culture and accountability review, honing skills in governance reform.

His selection underscores TEQSA's emphasis on independence, positioning him to navigate ANU's complex dynamics while aligning with national standards.

Stakeholder Perspectives

TEQSA stated the undertaking ensures "integrity and independence required to have the trust and confidence of the ANU community and other stakeholders." ANU committed to cooperation, viewing mechanisms as balancing regulator concerns with institutional needs. TEQSA announcement

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) criticized the council sharply, with ACT secretary Lachlan Clohesy arguing it shows TEQSA's lost trust, calling for removals of untrusted members. Staff fears persist, with ongoing ANU Governance Project pushing reforms. Students and academics welcome oversight but worry about prolonged instability.

Financial and Operational Toll

ANU's crisis has cost over $250,000 in crisis PR (e.g., $165,000 to Rowdy Inc for reputation strategy) and TEQSA reviews. Proposed restructures, consultant spends, and delayed decisions exacerbate $250 million savings pressure. An Australian National Audit Office report on financial management is due early May 2026, alongside Briggs' findings.

Implications for Australian Higher Education

This intervention sets a precedent, demonstrating TEQSA's readiness to wield powers under the TEQSA Act for governance failures. It highlights risks in council cultures, financial mismanagement, and leadership conflicts, potentially influencing reforms like enhanced monitoring proposed in Senate inquiries.

Other universities watch closely, as TEQSA's model could standardize oversight in appointments. For ANU, success hinges on restoring trust, stabilizing finances, and implementing Governance Project recommendations for academic board reforms. Times Higher Education analysis

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Broadening TEQSA's Role and Powers

TEQSA's actions stem from 2025 amendments expanding intervention flexibility. Ongoing Senate inquiries urge stronger guidance and monitoring. Cases like ANU illustrate how regulators balance autonomy with accountability, protecting public funds and quality.

Future Outlook and Lessons

As Briggs' report looms, ANU faces pivotal changes. A strong chancellor appointment could catalyze recovery, emphasizing skills in crisis management and reform. Lessons for peers: Proactive governance, transparent finances, and inclusive cultures mitigate regulatory risks.

Australian higher education must prioritize ethical leadership amid funding squeezes and sector pressures, ensuring institutions like ANU thrive as national assets.