Australia toughens rules on foreign interference at universities to deflect ‘hostile actors’
- Canberra wants to end ‘self-censorship’ on campuses and the ‘targeting of sensitive research’, says Home Affairs minister Karen Andrews
- China not named but guidelines show examples similar to events it is said to have been involved in Down Under such as ‘harassing’ Hong Kong protesters
Australia says it has toughened foreign interference rules for universities to stop self-censorship on campuses and the covert transfer of sensitive technology, before hundreds of thousands of international students are expected to return as borders closed by the pandemic reopen.
Home Affairs minister Karen Andrews said on Wednesday the foreign interference guidelines will protect universities and students from “hostile foreign actors and intelligence services; who have been known to target sensitive research, muzzle debate, and intimidate foreign students”.
Australia is concerned its commercial advantage could be lost by unwanted technology transfer, and by researchers not declaring affiliations with militaries or governments in countries that do not rank highly on transparency or democracy indices, the guidelines said.
Universities will determine which staff will be required to undergo checks on their links to foreign governments or companies.
