Since 2023 the Department of Education has consulted universities on their self-reported implementation of the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector (the Guidelines).
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The department has undertaken annual surveys to understand the successes and barriers experienced by universities when implementing the Guidelines. Alongside the survey, the department has also facilitated a series of workshops focussed on enhancing universities’ understanding of the risk environment.
Universities have informed the Australian Government of emerging barriers, better ways to navigate the national security ecosystem, and opportunities to support implementation of the Guidelines.
Outcomes from the annual surveys and workshops are reported in the department’s summary reports which inform the forward work agenda of the department and of the University Foreign Interference Taskforce.
The products provided below highlight the extensive work undertaken by universities to actively engage with the Guidelines, enhance their capabilities and adapt to the evolving risk environment.
2024
In 2024 the department invited all 42 Australian universities to participate in an Annual Pulse Survey and Countering Foreign Interference Workshop Series across Australia, designed to enhance universities’ understanding of the risk environment. Key findings and supporting material from this engagement can be found in the following products:
- Pulse Check on the implementation of the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector
- Pulse Check on the implementation of the Guidelines Placemat
- Countering Foreign Interference Case Studies
- Australian National Security Architecture Placemat
The Pulse Check, and associated products, build on the key findings and consultation of the previous year’s engagement.
2023
In 2023 the department released the Report on implementation of the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector. The report identified the progress of universities’ uplift in establishing, reviewing or updating key initiatives to address the risk of foreign interference. The report also identified new or emerging barriers to implementing the Guidelines.
Implementation of the Guidelines is supported by a suite of products developed by the department, including case studies, templates, tools, references, further advice and other materials, including links to additional Australian and international resources.