Julie Bishop, the chancellor of the Australian National University (ANU), has firmly denied allegations of bullying and claims of being "hostile and arrogant" toward staff. The accusations were made by ANU demographer Dr. Liz Allen during her testimony to a Senate committee that is investigating governance in higher education last month.

In a detailed 25-page response submitted to the committee, Bishop categorically rejected the claims that she possesses "godlike powers" and that her leadership has created a "culture of fear and intimidation" within the university. "I wish to state on the record that I categorically deny the allegations levelled against me during the hearing on 12 August 2025," Bishop wrote in her letter.

She specifically refuted assertions that dissent is discouraged, that the council is dysfunctional and toxic, and that elected members feel afraid. Bishop also dismissed the notion that council meetings are staged to create a false impression of legitimacy, describing such claims as unfounded.

"I reject absolutely ... that 'dissent' is 'discouraged', that council is 'dysfunctional and toxic under the current regime', that elected members are 'afraid', that council is 'orchestrated cinema to make it appear that what's happening is legitimate when... it's not', or that the nature of council is 'divide and conquer'," she stated.

Bishop emphasized that her conduct has always been professional and noted that she has never faced accusations that align with the allegations made during the Senate hearing. While she has previously denied the allegations, her formal written response offers additional context and detail regarding her position.