Dear Australian National University,

Background: Brooke Disney has worked in the University’s Advancement area as a fundraiser. She appears to have no experience in Government Relations. Her appointment to the role was announced via an all staff email on 9 October from the Interim Vice Chancellor. This request seeks to clarify how Ms Disney was appointed to the role without any government experience, whether it was formally approved through the RAC/ROC and any associated remuneration.

Specifically, I request access to all documents, whether formal or informal, for the period 20 August to present, including but not limited to:
1. Any documents related to the recruitment, appointment or engagement of Ms Disney to the Head of Government role, including: position description, business cases, recruitment or appointment papers, selection reports, approvals and contracts; any justification for appointing Ms Disney to the role without a competitive process, noting there are many staff with applicable experience and at level at ANU who could have been appropriate appointments; and any documents showing whether a competitive process was undertaken or an exemption was granted.
2. Any documents provided to or generated by the Recruitment Approval Committee (RAC) or Recruitment Oversight Committee (ROC) and implication to the local area budget.
3. All communications (including emails, Signal messages, instant messages, Teams chats, handwritten notes, meeting notes) between the Office of the Interim Vice-Chancellor, Media and Communications/Government Relations, Human Resources, Finance or other relevant areas discussing: Ms Disney’s appointment; the rationale for her appointment outside of a formal recruitment process; and reporting lines, duties, editorial oversight and any discussion of pay or workload implications, such as loadings.

Yours faithfully,
Joyce