National security and foreign relations
Australian universities face a real risk of data theft, espionage and other interference sponsored by foreign entities. Universities are actively preparing for those threats as they advance their core commitment to enhancing knowledge through education and research. IRU members are working with the Government to understand the nature and extent of the risk and propose effective ways to ensure universities remain well-functioning creators and sharers of knowledge.
International engagement, collaboration and partnerships are, however, an essential and intrinsic part of university operations and the global exchange of ideas. The IRU calls on the Government to adopt a holistic approach to national security and foreign relations issues and to work with universities to identify and fix any risks.
This page collates IRU media releases, submissions and other updates relating to national security and foreign relations.

Parliamentary inquiries – IRU submissions
IRU media releases (national security and related issues)
- International research and education remain at threat from proposed foreign relations laws, 5 Nov 2020
IRU media releases (national security and related issues)
- Foreign students are our fourth largest export, even with the pandemic (opinion column by La Trobe University Chancellor The Hon. John Brumby AO), The Age / Sydney Morning Herald, 19 Feb 2021