Foreign engagements

UOW is a truly global university. Our international focus is strengthened through a collaborative network of partners across the globe. We value our collaborations with foreign partners and recognise the significance of relationships between individuals in Australia and overseas.

In the day-to-day pursuit of University objectives, there are some integrity/accountability obligations that may be more difficult to recognise and require additional vigilance by individuals to ensure compliance. Being aware of these obligations will help you identify and manage the risks and avoid adverse consequences. 

The Australian government has in place a number of legislative instruments designed to ensure engagements and interactions with foreign entities or individuals do not adversely affect Australia's foreign relations and are consistent with Australia's foreign policy. 

It is important to note that the vast majority of foreign engagements are not considered as notifiable or reportable to the Australian government and are out of scope for the various Schemes. Staff should also note that notification or reporting of Foreign Engagements to the Australian government will be completed as matter of legislative compliance. This does not necessarily mean that engagements will be terminated or rejected by the government.     

Foreign engagements

The below links provide an overview of each scheme including FAQs, links to Government resources and fact sheets as well as who to contact for more information.

The contents of this website will continue to be updated as refined information is received from the Australian Government.

Ensures written arrangements between State/Territory entities and foreign governments and their entities do not adversely affect Australia's foreign relations and are consistent with Australia's foreign policy.

Please note: As the Schemes progress, the contents of this website will continue to be updated as refined information is received from the Australian Government.

Foreign Arrangements Scheme

Applies to Australian or foreign individuals and entities who undertake registrable activities on behalf of a foreign principal.

Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme

The Australian Government and the higher education sector jointly formed the University Foreign Interference Taskforce (UFIT). In November 2019, the taskforce released Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector to enhance safeguards against the risk of foreign interference. A revised version of the Guidelines was released in November 2021.

The revised Guidelines place an obligation on universities to require disclosures from staff who are at risk of foreign interference.

FOREIGN INTERFERENCE

Applies to anyone exporting regulated defence goods/technologies from Australia or transferring information from Australia. 

Defence Export Controls