Resources

The Placemat is a one-page summary of the 2024 consultation process and key findings from the Pulse Check on the implementation of the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector. It highlights the successes in universities’ implementation to date while identifying opportunities for further work.

The Pulse Check on the implementation of the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector (Pulse Check) highlights the extensive work universities have undertaken to actively engage and implement the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector. 

The Pulse Check was informed through consultation with universities, sector representatives and Government agencies, including an Annual Pulse Survey and Countering Foreign Interference Workshop Series. For a summary of the consultation, please see the Pulse Check on the implementation of the Guidelines Placemat.

The Placemat is a one-page summary of the consultation process and key findings from the Report on implementation of the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector. It highlights the successes in universities’ implementation to date while identifying opportunities for further work to support implementation.

In 2023, the University Foreign Interference Taskforce Training Working Group hosted workshops led by the Department of Home Affairs. Attendees discussed how to raise awareness of the impact that foreign interference has on campus culture; and report concerning behaviour. This included best practice in student complaint management, and university reporting and response. 

The Department of Education has collaborated with Home Affairs to develop the Guidance Note which highlights the key takeaways from the workshops. The Guidance Note provides a framework outlining key actions, behaviours or responses universities could consider in order to combat foreign interference on campus. The Guidance Note is intended to support and build on existing work of universities and government to mitigate foreign interference threats.

The National Security Architecture Placemat was developed by the Department of Education in consultation with Australian Government agencies. The Placemat assists universities in understanding the national security obligations that may apply to them, and appropriate contact points and reporting mechanisms for concerns.

The Report highlights the extensive work the university sector has undertaken to implement the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector. The Report was informed by a consultation with universities, sector representatives and government agencies.

For a summary of the consultation, please see the Consultation on implementation of the Guidelines Placemat.

The Transnational Education Guidance Note on Due Diligence has been prepared by the University Foreign Interference Taskforce (UFIT) Transnational Education Working Group (TNEWG). The document offers universities additional advice on due diligence, specific to the transnational education environment.

A process map to assist in recognising potential foreign interference risks when undertaking due diligence assessments.

An overview of how universities can enhance their existing due diligence processes through the collection and analysis of publicly available or ‘open source’ information.

An example of where the responsibility may be sit within a university when reporting and resolving concerns of foreign interference.

An example of the purpose and responsibilities of an accountable authority managing foreign interference matters within the university sector.

These guidelines have been developed for, and in partnership with, the Australian University sector to help manage and engage with risk to deepen resilience against foreign interference in the university sector. They are designed to build on risk management policies and security practices already implemented by Australian universities, as well as assist decision makers to assess the risks from foreign interference.