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On 19 August 2025, Council resolved to establish the Special Governance Committee to manage the University's response to the matters raised in the Senate Committee hearing on 12 August 2025. The Committee operates under a Charter, as approved by the Council.

Public Statement re Investigator & Terms of Reference

The Special Governance Committee (the Committee) was established by the Australian National University Council on 19 August 2025 following matters of concern which were raised during a hearing of the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee on 12 August 2025 (Senate Hearing).   A copy of the Committee's Charter is publicly available here.

Pursuant to the Committee’s functions, the Committee has appointed Dr Vivienne Thom AM to lead an investigation into the relevant matters of concern which were raised during the Senate Hearing and provide a report (or reports) of the investigation to the Committee. A brief biography of Dr Thom is set out below.  The conduct of the investigation will take a trauma-informed approach and conform with the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.  A copy of the Terms of Reference for Dr Thom's investigation is publicly available .

To protect the integrity of the investigation, the investigation will be conducted on a strictly confidential basis and in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (Cth) and other applicable laws.  For these reasons, there will be no public interviews or release of any information in the public domain in the course of the investigation.

The Committee is dedicated to a fair and thorough process, as well as to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of governance.  Given Dr Thom's distinguished background in overseeing complex and sensitive inquiries, as well as her deep expertise in public sector governance and integrity, Dr Thom is exceptionally well placed to conduct the investigation. Dr Thom’s proven independence, commitment to upholding high standards of accountability, and her familiarity with both investigative processes and governance frameworks ensure she will approach the investigation with the rigour, impartiality, and professionalism required.

We understand that there will be questions about the nature of the complaints and the outcome of the investigation. While we are committed to sharing as much information as we lawfully and ethically can, we will not pre-empt the findings or compromise the confidentiality of the process.

The Committee thanks all stakeholders for their patience and cooperation as this important work proceeds.

Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

Andrew Metcalfe – Chair, Special Governance Committee

1 October 2025
 

About Dr Vivienne Thom AM

Dr Thom is an independent consultant in the field of public administration with a focus on integrity and governance. In June 2016, Dr Thom was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to public administration through a range of senior roles, and as a mentor to women in executive positions.

Dr Thom has conducted a number of highly sensitive and complex inquiries and reviews.

Dr Thom brings extensive experience in public sector governance and integrity. Dr Thom has held several high-profile leadership roles, including serving as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, where she oversaw Australia’s intelligence agencies, and as Deputy Commonwealth Ombudsman, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint, and Commissioner of Patents.

Dr Thom has a strong track record of conducting complex and sensitive inquiries, such as chairing the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce for the Set the Standard report and leading the IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel.  Dr Thom's breadth of experience also includes chairing audit committees and participating as an independent member on various governance boards and committees.