Universities Australia understands and supports the intent of the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020 (the Act). However, the Act could be streamlined to reduce the administration associated with compliance.

It is in Australia’s interest to continue to collaborate globally. Government regulation of international collaboration must be proportionateto risk, designed in collaboration with the sector
and as minimally burdensome as possible. In line with this goal, Universities Australia makes five recommendations;

1. Narrow the definitions in the Act to reduce the regulatory burden whilst still achieving the objects of the Act.
2. Ensure consistency and complementarity with existing legislation and regulation.
3. Consider the risks of continuing to publish arrangements on the Public Register.
4. Include a mechanism to obtain further information and appeal decisions if the Minister makes a declaration that amends or prohibits an arrangement.
5. Maintain a clause to review the Act every three years.