Why is ANU chancellor Julie Bishop so powerful?

There have been more than 18 months of turmoil, scandals, deep unrest and backstabbing at the highest levels of the Australian National University’s leadership team, but somehow Chancellor Julie Bishop seems as confident as ever.

He seems certain that he is somehow untouchable. Despite numerous calls from employees, politicians and others to stand down, Bishop stood firm. And the appointed members of his council have not wavered for a minute in their united support for him, at least publicly.