Alicia Payne (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian National University is an important institution for our whole nation. As the only national university established by federal legislation, it is unique in its remit. It's research is groundbreaking, and it holds a level of community trust that is precious. But, at the moment, the ANU is in crisis. Over many months I've been hearing from countless ANU staff about the situation there, as well as engaging with the National Tertiary Education Union. Many of the staff are not feeling heard, and they feel that the Renew ANU process is being driven without transparency, consultation or a clear rationale for the number of job cuts and other changes that are being made.

These people are coming to their political representatives because they are not feeling heard; they feel they have exhausted their avenues for feedback and that it's not been taking seriously. There have also been serious allegations that have come to light, through the Senate committee, of bullying and mismanagement. There has clearly been a lack of consultation and transparency. There have been announcements of the closure of institutions that are incredibly important to Australian culture and society, including the National Dictionary Centre, the Australian Dictionary of Biography and the Humanities Research Centre—unique work that does not happen anywhere else—as well as significant changes proposed to the School of Music with far-reaching consequences for the music ecosystem in Canberra and beyond.

I've been incredibly concerned by what I've heard, and I've been passing these concerns on to the Minister for Education and directly to the vice-chancellor as well. I was pleased to see that the regulator, TEQSA, has stepped in and put the ANU on notice to ensure that they are being compliant with their obligations and these standards. I think it's incredibly important that trust is restored within the ANU staff, community and leadership if things are to in any way be rescued from where they are at the moment. The reputation and the role of this institution are too important to let it be destroyed, and serious action is needed to be taken.

This week we have learnt that Australian emissions fell by 6.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in the year to March 2025. That's a 1.4 per cent reduction, taking us to 28 per cent below 2005 levels—proof that we are well on track to meet and beat our 43 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030. To put that in perspective, a reduction of 6.5 million tonnes is like taking 1.4 million cars off the road or eliminating the annual electricity use of around 1.3 million homes. I know Canberrans want to see us set a strong 2035 target, and this is something I am raising their voice for in our government.

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