Liz Allen, a demographer at ANU, made the allegations on Aug. 12 before a Senate committee investigating governance and financial accountability across the higher education sector.
Allen, who served as the staff-elected representative on the council until her resignation in April, said she had been subjected to “threats, intimidation, and bullying” since 2024 after pressing for more stringent oversight of council conduct.
She described the alleged behaviour as “devastating.”
“I was bullied into near suicide. I miscarried a much-wanted baby,” said Allen, who broke down during the testimony.
She alleged she had been denied promotion opportunities, left uncertain about her job security, and seen her career prospects collapse.
Allen further alleged that Bishop had been “hostile and arrogant” toward staff, and said that when former Brian Schmidt was vice-chancellor, he acted as a moderating influence on Bishop’s conduct.
