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Foreign interference

Foreign interference

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.

Foreign interference goes beyond the routine diplomatic influence that is commonly practised by governments. 'Foreign interference' includes covert, deceptive and coercive activities intended to affect an Australian political or governmental process that are directed, subsidised or undertaken by (or on behalf of) foreign actors to advance their interests or objectives.

The Guidelines support the following principles:

  1. Security must safeguard academic freedom, values and research collaboration.
  2. Research, collaboration and education activities remain mindful of the national interest.
  3. Security is a collective responsibility with individual accountability.
  4. Security should be proportionate to organisational risk.
  5. The safety of our university community is paramount.

Why is foreign interference a concern?

Australia's universities are highly regarded globally for their academic excellence and independence. However, this reputation also makes them vulnerable to foreign influence. There are several ways foreign interference can occur:

  1. Influence over research: Foreign governments may attempt to steer research toward topics that align with their national interests. This could involve pressure on academics to work on research that benefits foreign countries or even the stealing of intellectual property.
  2. Exploitation of international students: With large numbers of international students, Australian universities might face pressure to align their policies or practices with the interests of foreign governments, sometimes using students to exert influence or gather intelligence.
  3. Funding and partnerships: Foreign funding for research or academic programs can come with strings attached, where the donor may expect to influence the university's research outcomes, curriculum, or other aspects of academic life.

UOW staff and students must stay informed about these risks, remain vigilant in their work and report any concerns through appropriate university channels so we can protect our international collaborations and provide a welcoming environment for all domestic and international students.

Foreign Engagements Declaration

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.

UOW recognises the importance of effectively identifying and addressing foreign interference risks. As such, the Foreign Engagements Declaration will ask staff members for the following disclosures:

  1. Are you receiving any financial support (cash or in-kind) for education or research related activities from a country other than Australia?
  2. Do you hold a position (paid or unpaid) or honorific titles in any foreign university, academic organisation or company, or are you under any other obligations to a foreign university, academic organisation or company (e.g. membership of a talent recruitment program)?
  3. Are you associated or affiliated with a foreign government or foreign military, policing or intelligence organisation?

Frequently asked questions

Foreign interference goes beyond the routine diplomatic influence that is commonly practised by governments.‘Foreign interference’ includes covert, deceptive and coercive activities intended to affect an Australian political or governmental process that are directed, subsidised or undertaken by (or on behalf of) foreign actors to advance their interests or objectives.

The Foreign Engagements Declaration is a declaration from staff who may be at risk of foreign interference, including identification of foreign affiliations, relationships, and financial interests.

UOW staff will receive a system-generated email when the declaration period is open. The declaration is completed within the BPM system and runs concurrently with the UOW Conflict of Interest process. A link to complete the declaration will be included in the email. Please follow the instructions to complete your online declaration.

If you have a change in your circumstances that gives rise to an actual or perceived conflict of interest outside the annual Foreign Engagements Declaration collection period, you should declare this by making a new declaration. Access the Foreign Engagements Declaration in the BPM under ‘Applications List/Foreign Engagement and on the form under ‘Declaration Type’ elect the option: ‘There has been a change in my circumstances that requires an update Foreign Engagements Declaration’.

 

If you need to change your submitted annual declaration, you can do so by creating a new declaration, however on the declaration form, under ‘Declaration Type’, select the option: ‘There has been a change in my circumstances that requires an updated Foreign Engagements Declaration’.

You can access the Foreign Engagements Declaration via the BPM system under Applications List/Foreign Engagement. 

The UOW Foreign Engagements Declaration is designed to identify and address foreign interference risks. In most cases, international collaboration is valuable and desirable, but there may occasionally be what is defined as inappropriate foreign influence or interference. Identification and management of potential perceived or actual foreign interference is designed to ensure foreign engagements between UOW and foreign governments and their entities do not adversely affect Australia’s foreign relations and are consistent with Australia’s foreign policy.

This approach has been identified as the best practice approach to risk identification by the University Foreign Interference Taskforce and is being implemented across the Higher Education sector.

The Foreign Engagements Declaration questions are used detect and manage any risk of, or actual, inappropriate foreign influence or interference. UOW will review responses to questions and if any responses raise concern, they will work with the individual staff member to ensure understanding and management of relevant risks.

We recommend taking a conservative approach and over-declaring rather than risk missing matters that should be declared.

Yes, all UOW staff outside of casual employees and long-term leave staff are required to complete a Foreign Engagements Declaration.

It is critical to consider foreign interference risks whenever you are dealing with international colleagues or partners.

You should think about potential risks, in particular, whenever you are:

  • Conducting international research
  • Managing patents and other forms of intellectual property (IP)
  • Travelling, presenting and/or attending international conferences
  • Considering, accepting or offering honorary, adjunct and other joint appointments
  • Spending UOW money
  • Accepting gifts and donations, and
  • Using UOW IT systems and data

Addressing foreign interference risks is important. It protects you and your work by reducing its vulnerability to improper interference like IP loss. It helps protect the integrity of the University’s operations. It is also a legal requirement and there are significant consequences for recklessly or intentionally allowing foreign interference to occur, including fines and/or imprisonment.

You can find more information on Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference.

Contact the Global Strategy Division by emailing foreign-engagements@uow.edu.au.