Opening statement by Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson to the PJCIS Review of the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure Protection) Bill 2022.
"Universities support the intent of the Bill in ensuring that Australia is equipped to meet both internal and external shocks. We are reminded all too often of the need to be prepared to meet the complex and often uncertain challenges faced in both domestic and international environments."
"Universities play a critical role in ensuring Australians are prepared for the unexpected. There is an abundance of recent examples illustrating the important contribution made by universities – whether it be Southern Cross University converting its campuses into evacuation centres to shelter more than 1000 people during this year's floods this year; the Australian Catholic University providing a relief fund for students experiencing hardship during the same disaster; to the entire sector's pivotal role in managing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic."
"UA would like to note the productive engagement of the Department of Home Affairs with the university sector in the development of a revised set of guidelines designed to counter foreign interference in the university sector."
"Those guidelines are a result of the work of the Universities Foreign Interference Taskforce (UFIT), which is an exemplar of collaboration between universities and Government that our international counterparts seek to emulate."
"We continue to emphasise the importance of UFIT as the primary mechanism in meeting the sector's obligations under this Bill."
"UA is greatly encouraged by the Government's recognition of UFIT as an existing mechanism to manage critical infrastructure risk, as noted in the supplementary submission by the Department of Home Affairs to this inquiry. Formal recognition of UFIT would provide further certainty to universities and enhance the coherence and targeting of measures to achieve the Bill's intent."
"UA remains concerned about the regulatory impact of the Bill and seeks to work with the Government to ensure that this is accurately identified. As always, UA is ready to work with Government on all aspects of the Bill to ensure that the policy intent is matched by effective implementation."
"Finally, we would also like to express our appreciation for the engagement by the Minister for Home Affairs and the Department in ensuring that one of our primary concerns regarding this Bill – the scope of the definition of the higher education and research sector – is addressed."
