Former Australian National University (ANU) Chancellor and Federal Minister Gareth Evans has voiced significant concerns over proposed changes to the university’s humanities and social sciences programs. In a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor, Evans warned that the university’s unique national mission is being “ignored or gravely under-valued.”
The letter, dated July 20, 2025, outlines Evans’ apprehensions regarding the CASS Organisational Change Proposal, which he believes undermines ANU’s foundational mission. This mission, according to Evans, has been pivotal to the university’s reputation and its receipt of the National Institutes Grant from the Commonwealth Government. This grant supports research aimed at fostering Australia’s national unity and identity, including enhancing understanding of Indigenous cultures, Asia-Pacific relations, and Australia’s global role.
Concerns Over Institutional Changes
Evans, who served as ANU Chancellor from 2010 to 2019, expressed his unease about recent university decisions, including the relocation of the Crawford School and the potential discontinuation of the ANU Crawford Leadership Forum. He described the forum as having achieved a status akin to “Australia’s Davos” in its brief history.
In particular, Evans criticized the proposal to abolish the Humanities Research Centre (HRC) and the Centre for European Studies (ANUCES) as independent entities. The HRC has been nationally and internationally respected for five decades, while ANUCES has played a crucial role in shaping government trade and security policies with the European Union.
Impact on National Projects
Evans reserved his strongest criticism for the proposed closure of the National Dictionary Centre (ANDC) and the reduction of the National Centre for Biography (NCB). He emphasized that these projects are essential to ANU’s national mission. The ANDC, which documents the evolution of Australian English, has a legacy of public engagement unmatched by other university departments.
“The Australian National Dictionary is the repository of national learning on the continuing evolution of our distinctively Australian English,” Evans stated.
The NCB, responsible for the Australian Dictionary of Biography (ADB), has been celebrated as “the jewel in the crown of the ANU.” Evans highlighted the ADB’s role in coordinating a nationwide scholarly collaboration, mobilizing volunteers from across the country to contribute to this national endeavor.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The proposed changes come at a time when universities globally are grappling with financial challenges and shifting educational priorities. However, Evans argues that diminishing the capabilities of these centers contradicts the ANU’s post-war founding vision, which was to lead national research initiatives.
Professor Sir Keith Hancock, who established the NCB in 1957, envisioned it as a significant collaborative research enterprise. Evans fears that reducing its scope would undermine this vision and the university’s role in national scholarship.
“To drastically diminish its capability to go on playing that role makes no sense at all,” Evans asserted.
Evans urged ANU leadership to reconsider the proposals, emphasizing the widespread concern within the university community and the potential reaction from the Minister for Education.
The debate over these changes highlights broader discussions about the future of humanities and social sciences in higher education, particularly in balancing financial sustainability with maintaining academic and cultural missions.
As ANU leadership reviews these proposals, the outcome may set a precedent for how universities navigate similar challenges in preserving their unique missions while adapting to contemporary demands.
