Canberra, 27 May 2025 — A damning independent review has uncovered a toxic culture within the Australian National University’s College of Health and Medicine, revealing widespread harassment, bullying, sexism, racism, and allegations of entrenched nepotism.
Commissioned by the ANU in response to growing internal concerns, the review paints a disturbing picture of systemic misconduct and institutional failure. Testimonies collected from staff and students described the college as “dehumanising,” with claims of persistent gender-based harassment and discriminatory practices directed at both staff and students of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Several interviewees reported being targeted or sidelined for challenging entrenched hierarchies or questioning opaque hiring and promotion processes. “The system operates more like a boys’ club,” one staff member was quoted saying, adding that merit was routinely ignored in favour of connections and personal loyalty.
The review also highlighted a widespread fear of retaliation, with many respondents indicating they stayed silent to avoid professional or academic consequences. “You either keep your head down or you leave,” noted one former staff member.
In response to the findings, ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Genevieve Bell issued a public statement acknowledging the gravity of the allegations and pledging immediate corrective action. “This report is confronting and deeply disappointing. We are committed to creating a culture of respect, accountability, and inclusion. We must do better — and we will,” she said.
The university has vowed to implement all of the review’s recommendations, including the establishment of an independent complaints body, mandatory training on workplace behaviour, and a complete overhaul of the college’s leadership structure.
However, critics argue that ANU’s leadership must be held accountable for allowing such a culture to take root over time. “This is not just a failure of oversight — it’s a failure of values,” said Dr. Rachel Lin, an expert in institutional ethics.
As one of Australia’s leading institutions, ANU now faces mounting pressure from students, academics, and the broader community to address not just the symptoms, but the underlying culture that allowed such abuse to flourish unchecked.
Further investigations are expected, and several formal complaints have now been lodged with external bodies, including the Australian Human Rights Commission.
