Mark Scott says resolving the stand-off over pro-Palestinian protests at Sydney University this year was the toughest issue he has had to deal with in 20 years at the head of major institutions.

“I think in my experience running large, complex organisations, I can’t think of an issue that’s been tougher to manage in my two decades,” said Professor Scott, who was managing director of the ABC between 2006 and 2016 and held senior roles at Fairfax before becoming Sydney University’s vice chancellor in 2021.