The Government’s proposed changes to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act – which are necessary to implement the proposed caps on international students at Australian universities – will be delayed if the Government is unable to find enough support in the Senate to pass the legislation in the next two weeks. This is not a reprieve for the sector. The Government has been clear that Ministerial Direction 107 will remain in place should the legislation not pass. Ministerial Direction 107 is the mechanism the Government is using to manage demand for subclass 500 student visas. This unfortunately means that growing international student numbers is still not a viable strategy for ANU to return to operational sustainability. Further, it means that we are moving towards a policy landscape that will reduce international students – the exact number is now uncertain and may be lower than what we have previously been advised.

Voting is now open for the proposed variation to the ANU Enterprise Agreement. This decision is an important one, and we want to thank those who have already taken the time to vote and engage in this process. The proposal asks staff to voluntarily forgo the upcoming 2.5 per cent salary increase scheduled for 19 December 2024, an action that could save the University up to $15 million. This measure aims to support the financial stability of our ANU community during challenging times.

Voting is open until 4:00pm AEDT, Wednesday 20 November 2024.  

I encourage you to genuinely consider the EA variation proposal. Whilst I appreciate the proposal is challenging for all staff, it will assist in achieving critical savings and reducing the extent of changes that may otherwise be necessary.

The University budget goals to achieve a sustainable cost base, including any proposed savings measures will, of course be subject to ongoing review, taking into account all feedback received, the University’s statutory obligations, the University’s progress in achieving savings, the University's revenue, and the financial challenges and external factors that continue to impact upon the University.

The University will continue to share financial information with the community and welcomes any and all feedback on these matters. I remind you that questions and feedback can be directed to org.change@anu.edu.au.

Resources, including the proposed variation, FAQs, information session recordings and other details, remain available on the variation website. For questions or comments, please email ea.comments@anu.edu.au. 

We are also continuing to talk to our senior staff on Performance Based Employment Contracts (PBECs), who are not covered by the Enterprise Agreement, about forgoing their next scheduled incremental pay increase, regardless of the outcome of the vote on the proposed variation. So far, of those who have responded to this request, some 95 per cent have voluntarily agreed to forgo this increase, and I thank those staff for their support. Senior staff have until 30 November to respond. If all staff on PBECs agree to forgo the increase, it would result in savings of more than $1 million for the University.

Registrations are now open for a townhall with Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Michael Lonergan next month. 

The townhall is in response to feedback that staff would like a greater understanding of the University’s finances, our financial position and financial strategies.    
 
It will be held on Zoom on Thursday 12th December 2024 and will be open to any ANU staff member. At this townhall, the CFO will give a presentation on the University’s historical financial position and a range of measures required to address our financial sustainability. He will also be joined by some finance managers from across ANU who will explain how University-wide financial strategies are implemented at local levels.    

Click here to register.

There are still a few more weeks for you to send in your ideas to the Expenditure Taskforce. So far, we’ve had 26 people submit their suggestions. You can submit your ideas here.

The Expenditure Taskforce was formed to identify opportunities for sustainable non-salary savings across the University as part of the Renew ANU initiative. By focusing on more efficient, cost-effective processes, the taskforce aims to streamline operations while preserving our commitment to excellence.

The website also features a summary of the taskforce's findings to date. We encourage all staff to review the findings and contribute your insights on where further savings can be achieved.

Submissions close on Tuesday 10 December.

Read more: Expenditure Taskforce, Analysis and Recommendations

We are delighted that ANU recently placed second in the Australian Financial Review's Best University Rankings for 2024. Institutions were evaluated based on the pillars of teaching, research, career impact and equity.
 
ANU did particularly well on our equity measure. To evaluate equity, the AFR used Australian government information on five groups of disadvantaged students: non-English speaking background, disability, Indigenous, low socio-economic status and regional/remote. The information centres on participation of these students, success of these students relative to others, completions of degrees relative to others and retention of the students in later years.

You can read the AFR’s coverage here.

Interim University Registrar - Update

The University would like to announce Bree Slater has accepted the position of interim Registrar for a 16-month appointment from Monday 2 December 2024.  

Many of you will know Bree from her previous roles at ANU where she worked collegially across the colleges and central portfolios to deliver significant projects including Admission Reform and the Admission Reform Review. Most recently, Bree has been working as the Program Director, Service Improvement and Performance Assessment at the Canberra Institute of Technology where she has been leading the regulatory audit preparation, attendance and follow on actions, and establishing compliance and quality frameworks. 

Bree’s appointment will bring valued skills and experience to ANU as we work through service improvement and change.  

A warm thank you to Suzie Alcorn for stepping in as Acting University Registrar while this recruitment process was undertaken. 

Chris Price, Chief of Staff and interim COO

As many of you will be aware, Chris Price is currently on leave undertaking a study fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School. Having intended to return to ANU in January, Chris has instead opted to remain in Boston into 2025 to continue his academic work. Consequently, after more than eight years at ANU, as Chief of Staff and interim COO, Chris will leave the University at the end of this month.

We thank him for his years of service to ANU and wish him every success at Harvard.

Image: The CSO building.

Monday 25 November, 6-7.30pm 

Join Mount Stromlo astronomer and Nobel Laureate in Physics, Professor Brian Schmidt, in conversation with the ABC's Annabel Crabb, on a journey through 100 years of Mount Stromlo Observatory. 

Register now: 100 years of Mount Stromlo Observatory 

Thursday 21 November, 5.30 – 7pm 

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Department of International Relations, located within the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at ANU. This lecture is part of a series that will explore the complex relationship between Indigenous peoples and the military, examining the historical context of exclusion and contemporary efforts to recognise Indigenous service and increase participation. 

Register now: Defence Indigenous engagement 

Monday 25 – Tuesday 26 November, 8.30am-12.30pm   

The ANU Crawford School of Public Policy's China Economy Program will host the 24th annual China Update. This event will bring together top academics, policymakers, and government officials to discuss the latest research on the Chinese economy. 

Register now: China Update 2024  

Wednesday 27 November, 2-4pm 

The 2024 Research Infrastructure Expo, hosted by ANU Research Initiatives and Infrastructure team is an exciting opportunity for university staff, researchers, students, government and industry partners to discover the diverse capabilities and engage with the amazing work happening in the ANU research infrastructure ecosystem.  

Register now: ANU Research Infrastructure Expo 

Thursday 28 November, 4-6.30pm 

Join the ANU South Asia Research Institute for a screening of Nun Other Than. This film tells the story in the immediate aftermath of the Sri Lankan insurrection of 1971. The insurgent political party was incarcerated and some Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna activists made attempts to revive their movement.  

Following the screening, there will be a conversation with the film's director, Udan Fernando. 

Register now: Nun Other Than film screening and Q&A 

Saturday 30 November, 9.30am-2pm 

All ANU staff are invited to bring their families along to the annual End of Year Kids Party, a beloved tradition of the staff community. Enjoy a fun-filled day of activities, including face painting, a science show, Indigenous storytelling, a reptile zoo and of course, a visit from Santa.  

Register now: ANU End of Year Kids Party 2024 

Monday 2 December, 1.30-3pm 

In this seminar hosted by the Australian Centre on China in the World, Oriana Skylar from Stanford University will discuss how thirty years ago, the idea that China could challenge the United States economically, globally, and militarily seemed unfathomable. Yet today, China is considered another great power in the international system. This lecture explores how China built power, from a weaker resource position in an international system that was dominated by the U.S. 

Register now: How China Became a Great Power 

Image: Bartholomaeus first from left, Brettell third from left. Photo credit: NADC/Salty Dingo.

Two members of our ANU community have been announced as the ACT’s Australians of the Year for 2025.

For his ability to drive change and inspire others, 21-year-old artist and current ANU student Daniel Bartholomaeus has been recognised as the 2025 ACT Young Australian of the Year.

The neurodiversity advocate is harnessing art and his lived experiences to narrow the gap between the neurotypical and neurodiverse communities, and to pave the way for individuals with different abilities.

ANU alumna Vanessa Brettell has been named the 2025 ACT Local Hero alongside Hannah Costello for their eatery, Café Stepping Stone, which employs some of the most vulnerable within our communities.

Through utilising the power of hospitality, the duo is empowering culturally and linguistically diverse women to help them enter or return to the workforce.

Daniel and Vanessa are now being considered by the National Australia Day Council Board for the national awards which will be presented on January 25th, 2025.

Congratulations to both Daniel and Vanessa for their achievements.

Image: Ellen Hansen. Photo credit: Supplied.

Ellen Hansen is the Convenor of International Refugee Law at the ANU College of Law. A former Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific and Head of Governance Service at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Ellen is passionate about sharing her policy and legal expertise and inspiring the next generation of refugee lawyers and policy makers.   

Read more: Inspiring the next generation of refugee lawyers, Ellen Hansen 

On Sunday 1 December 2024, the University will launch Focus – the new performance management system replacing PDRs. The People and Culture Division will be holding an online information session for all staff on Wednesday 4 December.  

Additionally, People and Culture will deliver 'Giving feedback' and 'Goal setting' skill builders from mid-November through to March 2025. Session details are on the Focus SharePoint site.   

Focus will be accessible via HORUS. For any enquiries, please review the Focus FAQ page, or contact HRD.Development@anu.edu.au. 

Inclusion at Work Week runs from Monday 18 November to Friday 22 November, as an annual celebration of diversity and inclusion in Australian workplaces. Diversity and inclusion are key drivers for supporting wellbeing, developing positive workplaces and providing opportunity for innovative thinking. This week, we ask you to consider what you and your team are doing to enhance diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace.  

Our community celebrates and strives for diversity. To get involved, consider joining an ANU Staff Network. To share feedback or offer further support in making ANU a more inclusive workplace contact our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team at staffdiversity@anu.edu.au. 

If you are experiencing concerns in the workplace and are unsure where to go or what to do the Staff Respect Consultant can provide confidential, person-centred and trauma informed support. These concerns could include, but are not limited to, ablism, sexism, racism, discrimination, harassment, bullying and sexual harassment. 

You can also submit an identified or de-identified disclosure using the ANU Harmful Behaviour Disclosure Tool.  A disclosure of harmful behaviour is not a formal report or complaint but is a mechanism for the University to provide you with information and support through the Staff Respect Consultant. 

The University has released a new Human Research Ethics Training course, available through Pulse. This training ensures ANU research staff and students understand the key ethical principles from the National Statement on Ethical conduct in Human Research.  

By participating in the training, you will support the University’s commitment to high quality, ethical research. It also guides you through key ethical concerns and provides additional resources to navigate the ethics process. For any queries, please contact the ethics team at human.ethics.officier@anu.edu.au. 

Learn more: Human Research Ethics Training

We are excited to announce that Associate Professor Gaurav Khemka has been appointed as the Academic representative for the UniSuper Consultative Committee. 

Gaurav Khemka is an Associate Professor in Actuarial Studies and Statistics in the Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies & Statistics, within the College of Business and Economics. We have no doubt his insights and experience will be invaluable in representing the interests of ANU, our academic staff and contributing to the strategic decisions of the UniSuper Consultative Committee. 

Learn more: UniSuper Consultative Committee 

A reminder that students who are completing their program at the end of Semester 2 2024 have until Friday 22 November to respond to their invitation via ISIS to attend the February 2025 graduation ceremony. Concluding students can select ‘In Absentia’ and will have an opportunity to collect a hard copy of their testamur and have photos taken in academic regalia in December 2024. 

Learn more: 2025 February Graduation Ceremonies

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 Employee Assistance Program.

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