At the outset, UA acknowledges the importance of the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 Act (the Act) as a safeguard of Australia’s national interests and in meeting the obligations we have to our key strategic partners. Further, we recognise that the elements of the Act subject to this review are, generally speaking, fit for purpose with the caveat that we understand the likely need for AUKUS related amendments which are out of scope for this review.
UA also acknowledges that universities are more mature and better equipped to ensure the protection of knowledge and technology today compared to 2018 (when the Thom Review was undertaken). We recognise the important and ongoing role of the University Foreign Interference Taskforce (UFIT) in providing guidance and raising awareness in the sector.