Dear Australian National University,

I seek access to documents held by the Australian National University, including documents held by or within:
• the Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
• the Office of the Provost, and
• the University’s Media and Communications function,
relating to changes in the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) role in January 2026.

1. Leave of absence – Lachlan Blackhall
Documents evidencing:
• the date on which Lachlan Blackhall commenced leave from the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation); and
• the duration or expected duration of that leave (where recorded).
This includes approvals, leave records, briefings, or correspondence confirming the commencement of leave.

2. Interim appointment – Ann Evans
Documents evidencing:
• the decision to appoint Ann Evans as Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation);
• the date the decision was made; and
• the effective start date of the interim arrangement.
This includes decision records, briefings, emails, or meeting notes confirming the interim appointment.

3. Communication and notification decisions
Documents (including emails, briefings, meeting notes, or advice) held by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Office of the Provost, and/or Media and Communications that relate to decisions about:
• whether, when, and how to notify:
o the University community,
o the Research Portfolio, and
o external stakeholders (including media)
of the above changes.

This includes documents that:
• record a decision by the interim VC and her office not to issue a communication or announcement;
• provide reasons or considerations for delaying or withholding notification; or
• involve advice from, or directions to, Media and Communications regarding these matters.

• This request covers documents created from 1 January 2026 onward.

Kind regards,

RB