“Universities play a vital role in building a better, stronger, safer and more successful Australia,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“Unfortunately, this is what makes them targets for foreign interference.

“We have forged a close partnership with government to combat these threats and the government’s response today acknowledges the strength and effectiveness of this relationship.

“The work of the Universities Foreign Interference Taskforce created in partnership with the government is world-leading and increasingly guiding other nations as they respond to the very real national security challenges facing universities.

“We look forward to building on this work, for the safety and benefit of our sector and the nation.

“It is vitally important that we strike the right balance between the openness that is fundamental to the kind of collaborative international research that gave us a fighting chance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and strong security safeguards. 

“Universities cannot do this work alone and thank the government for the collaborative approach, which helps us maintain the integrity of our research system and protects students from home and abroad.

“Universities help make Australia stronger and in a changing global environment, we need more of what they offer, not less. Our future success and prosperity depends on a strong university sector.”