On 12 September, ANU announced the commencement of a review into the University’s College of Health and Medicine (CHM). Led by Professor Christine Nixon AO APM, this review will examine matters of gender equity and culture within the College and its constituent schools over the next three months. 

ANU Provost Professor Rebekah Brown, who initiated the review, emphasised that “the review is broad in scope – as it should be”. She said, “It covers a number of important areas that we seek to better understand and to lead in. It is not about one single issue.”

Matters considered in the review will include gender composition, student experience, pay and promotional gender inequality, gender-based harassment, recruitment practices and leave and flexibility.

Nonetheless, the Terms of Reference note that the review “will not be constrained” to these matters and Professor Nixon “is free to pursue other areas of inquiry” related to gender and culture within the John Curtin School of Medical Research, the School of Medicine and Psychology, and the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health. 

The review was “initiated by Provost [Rebekah Brown], endorsed by Vice-Chancellor [Bell] and discussed with the Dean [Russell Gruen] and CHM Executive”, according to an email sent to students. 

In the email, Provost Brown stated that “[the] purpose of the review is to ensure, as Australia’s national university, we are upholding the highest standards of inclusivity and providing the best possible environment for study, research, and work.”

She also emphasised that this review is a reflection of the University’s commitment to “training and equipping the next generation of leaders and workers who will be active in clinical settings for many years to come and who will play an important role in creating spaces that are defined by equity and respect.”

“While we are proud of our community and the contributions and impact we have made, we want to advance further our capacity to deliver world-class research and teaching. We know that our staff and students have great depth of relevant capability, knowledge and experience, and we encourage you to contribute to this review”, Provost Brown further wrote. 

When asked by Woroni about the culture at CHM, a medical student stated, “I have been through so much racism and discrimination at the medical school for who I am, for what my culture is [and] for what my roots are…”

“This has not only impacted my wellbeing [and] mental health, but my academic performance as well”, the student stated. 

Current and former students and staff are encouraged to contribute to the review by requesting an interview or providing a written submission via email. Submissions will be de-identified unless “the disclosures compel further action under the law.” Under such circumstances, “confidentiality will be maintained as far as reasonably practicable.” 

Professor Nixon AO APM, who will be conducting the review, is “an experienced senior leader of large and complex organisations who has deep expertise in future-focused reviews.” Nixon had previously led a number of reviews, notably including the Rapid Review of Visa Fraud for the Minister for Home Affairs in 2023. 

She is also the current Co-Chair of the ACT Sexual Assault (Police) Review Oversight Committee and and Chair of the ACT Corrective Services Blueprint for Change Oversight Committee from 2022-24. 

Professor Nixon will be on campus over the next three months to “gain a firsthand understanding of the environment and the broader University.” 

She will also have access to “all relevant and necessary information required to carry out the independent review”, including University records. 

All findings will be compiled in a Final Report, which will include recommendations on “operational and strategic considerations and… future practices to support improved culture, including in relation to gender, inclusion and equity.” 

Upon its expected completion at the end of the year, the Report will be presented to the Provost and a summary of the recommendations will be publicly available. 

In her email to students, Provost Brown acknowledged that “for some, news of this review might raise concerns.” She encouraged the use of support services, available for current students, staff and former staff and students.