Almost 30 staff at the Australian National University's (ANU) College of Arts and Social Sciences (Cass) have stopped work after a health and safety report warned of psychological hazards linked to the institution's restructure. The report, prepared by the health and safety representative (HSR) officer, detailed complaints of aggression, bullying, and harassment, and issued a cease-work order on Tuesday.
The order stated there was a 'serious and ongoing harm to health and safety' and advised affected workers to 'remove themselves from the hazardous work environment'. As of Wednesday afternoon, 28 staff had reported their intention to cease work, though they remain entitled to pay if they are available for alternative safe work, according to the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU).
The HSR report warned that ANU may have failed to meet legislative obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act and other regulations. It referred to reports of self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety, stating 'immediate intervention' was needed. The report also said there was 'no safe way to continue with Renew ANU activities without risking catastrophic consequences'.
Cass Dean Professor Bronwyn Parry acknowledged the psychosocial impacts and agreed to 'concrete remediations', including improved services. The restructure proposal includes disestablishing several centres, including the Australian National Dictionary Centre and the ANU School of Music. The NTEU's ACT division secretary, Dr Lachlan Clohesy, said the university had 'longstanding cultural issues' exacerbated by Renew ANU.
Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Rebekah Brown confirmed she would provide a 'draft roadmap' for ANU's future on Thursday. ANU's chief people officer, Kate Witenden, said the university was formally reviewing the cease-work order and took staff safety 'extremely seriously'.
