The director of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), Kim Ellis, has announced his resignation after four years in the role.
In an email to staff on Monday evening, seen by Guardian Australia, Ellis said he had decided to move on to the next phase of his life and would leave the role.
“Your achievements are significant and numerous,” Ellis said to staff. “Science, under the strong leadership of a new chief scientist, has become our principle purpose and is supported by a clear plan for the future and great new program leaders.”
The resignation was confirmed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, effective from 6 March.
“The department would like to thank Mr Kim Ellis for his hard work and dedication to the role of the director of the Australian Antarctic Division,” a department spokesperson said.
Ellis’s resignation comes weeks before a government-commissioned investigation into allegations of sexual harassment on Australian stations in Antarctica is due for release. There is no suggestion the timing of his resignation was influenced by the findings of that report.
Ellis had commissioned an earlier study into allegations of cultural problems on Antarctic stations, which included reports of pornography displayed on walls and unwelcome requests for sex.
The findings of that earlier report, led by Prof Meredith Nash from the Australian National University, was described by the environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, as “gobsmacking”.
At the time, Ellis urged the division to confront cultural issues and told the ABC the report gave “real authority to make change in the organisation”.
Ellis referenced the division’s cultural overhaul in his resignation letter.
“You have had to adapt to significant cultural changes as we transition from an expedition to a world leading program; in our safety approach; our diversity, equity and inclusion; our personal qualities; and our alcohol and drug management,” Ellis said.
“None of this has been easy or comfortable and there is still much more to do. I am very grateful for the resilience and adaptability I have seen in so many of our people.
“There is still much more change to come and I urge you to look after each other, support your leaders and engage with the process.”
Ellis said the last four years had been among the most challenging for the AAD and referenced the pandemic, the arrival of a new icebreaking research vessel and changes to government policy.
“You cannot, and must not, work alone, and you can gain so much from our teams in Canberra,” Ellis said.
“Stay close to them, as their early engagement will help the division steer a safe course.”
Ellis was appointed to the role in February 2019 on a five-year term, due to expire February 2024.
The process will soon begin to replace Ellis.
