Julie Bishop made a striking appearance at The King’s Trust Gala in London, just days after resigning as Chancellor of the Australian National University. The former foreign minister, known for her stylish choices, turned heads on the red carpet alongside partner Stephen Gray.
Glamorous Red Carpet Look
Bishop captivated attendees in a dark pink sequined gown by Meraki, valued at $1,300. She accessorized with a gold evening bag and bold drop earrings. Her bouffant hairstyle complemented dramatic makeup featuring pink lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow. Gray matched her elegance in a black suit, bow tie, and sunglasses.
Sharing a photo on Instagram, Bishop wrote: “The King’s Trust celebrating 50 years of supporting the limitless potential of young people with a special awards event in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III at Royal Albert Hall with Aussie Shannon Lemanski a proud recipient and a line up of stars.”
Resignation Amid Controversy
Bishop stepped down from her role at the Canberra-based ANU on Friday, effective immediately. Her six-year tenure, which began in January 2020, faced ongoing criticism over governance, internal culture, and leadership issues.
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) intervened last week, an unprecedented move that stripped Bishop of her role in selecting the next chancellor. This action followed months of turmoil at the university.
In her statement, Bishop expressed: “I continue to regard the ANU as a truly national treasure. Following unprecedented and coordinated interference, the ANU Council is no longer able to discharge its legal and ethical obligations. The higher education sector is at a crossroads of regulatory overreach in the governance of our institutions or autonomy and academic freedom. I fear the collateral from this regulatory overreach will be the next generation of students and staff.”
Political Reactions and University Challenges
ACT Senator David Pocock welcomed the decision, stating: “In stepping aside, the chancellor is acting in the best interests of the ANU. When things go so terribly wrong at the helm of such an important institution, especially one governed by Commonwealth law, there must be accountability. A number of processes including a review by the higher education regulator, TEQSA, are yet to conclude and need to be allowed to run their course. The voluntary undertaking to conduct an independent process to appoint the next Chancellor is very welcome and will hopefully help rebuild trust, confidence and better governance at our national university.”
ACT Senator and Albanese government frontbencher Katy Gallagher urged the ANU to rebuild confidence openly with staff, students, and the community. “The challenges facing ANU did not arise overnight, and rebuilding trust and confidence across the university community will take time and careful work,” she said.
Sources within the Albanese government note the resignation came as no surprise amid escalating controversies, including the abrupt exit of vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell after 18 months, allegations of bullying raised in a Senate inquiry, and a $250 million cost-cutting drive that led to redundancies and low staff morale.
Under a new agreement, an independent selection panel will oversee the next chancellor’s appointment, with TEQSA supervising to ensure integrity. The regulator emphasized: “The next Chancellor will have a key role in setting the strategic direction and culture of the ANU. We are satisfied the terms of the undertaking will ensure the selection process has the integrity and independence required to have the trust and confidence of the ANU community and other stakeholders.”
Bishop previously served as Australia’s Foreign Minister from 2013 to 2018.
