Australia to investigate foreign interference at universities, amid China concerns

There have been a series of controversies over China’s clout on Australian campuses, from hacks of university data to donations and intimidation

Canberra last week said it was seeking new powers to scrap deals between local authorities and foreign countries that threaten the national interest

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Students take photos on the University of Sydney campus. Australia’s government has proposed an inquiry by the security and intelligence committee into spiralling interference at public universities. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:45pm, 31 Aug 2020Updated: 9:15pm, 31 Aug 2020

Australia’s parliament is set to probe alleged foreign interference at public universities, a government minister said on Monday, as concerns grow about Chinese influence.

A proposed inquiry by the security and intelligence committee follows a series of controversies over China’s clout on Australian campuses, ranging from hacks of university data to questionable financial donations and intimidation of Beijing’s critics.

Concerns have also been raised about the nature of research links between academics and scientists in the two countries.

Alan Tudge, the minister for population and cities, told Sky News the mooted inquiry was the latest government attempt to tackle spiralling foreign interference now at “levels not seen since the Second World War”.

The move comes after Canberra announced last week that it was seeking new powers to scrap deals between local authorities and foreign countries that threaten the national interest – sweeping powers that would extend to universities.