ANU announced Baker is taking leave from the position until June, after which he will retire. Baker will return to the Fenner School as an Emeritus Professor, focusing on teaching and research.

Baker has been in the Pro Vice Chancellor role for six and half years. A university announcement thanked him of his work in response to the 'Changing the Course Report' last year, involvement in the university's Reconciliation Action Plan and supporting the Tuckwell program.